Drone Attacks on Militants Cause Turmoil

While the Pakistani government appreciates the new approach of the U.S. administration, a feeling of pessimism still hangs in the air. Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Qureshi states that Pakistan is willing to support the United States in their fight against terrorism since their own safety is linked to Afghanistan's security as well. 

The key issue here is what America plans to do about the so called 'safe havens' militants have established at the Afghan border region. These forces seem to make their way towards the Pakistani border and could cause additional pressure on Pakistan's government. Since they already have to deal with the Taliban foothold in the Swat Valley region, the situation could get out of hand.

Due to these circumstances, the United States have increased their attacks with unmanned drones on the militants who are currently located in the tribal areas. The only fear is that instead of pushing the militants out of the area, their actions will most likely increase and put pressure on Pakistan to respond swiftly in the case of a crisis. Another area of concern is that many civilian casualties that have already been reported. 

An increase in military response, both by Pakistan and the U.S., can be seen; but so far militants and Taliban fighters seem to be able to respond and the fight is matched evenly. This added pressure only weakens the already fragile situation Pakistan and Afghanistan find themselves in.

In my opinion, only time will tell if this is the right way and if other options could not be more successful. Obama is trying his best to fulfill the legacy Bush promised to Afghan and Pakistani people. Right now, containment proves the only viable option. The reconstruction process appears to be a distant prospect. Let's hope it will not end in a disaster just like, and this is solely my opinion, the Iraq war did and still continues to do so today. 

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