The Pakistani Military has recently lifted a curfew that it has placed on the citizens of the Swat Valley. This nine hour lift of the curfew was implemented to allow many residents to flee the battle stricken area. Many of these residents are traveling by foot, with only the clothes on their back. Currently the Swat Valley and many of the northern regions of Pakistan are being torn apart by fighting between the Pakistani Military and the Taliban. The Taliban is even rumoured to be as close as 60 miles away from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
The military action by Pakistan is receiving some mixed reviews. Currently they are receiving praise for their actions from the U.S. "The army offensive has garnered praise from the U.S., which wants Pakistan to root out havens on its soil where Taliban militants can plan attacks on American and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan." (Khan, Zarar The Associated Press) Others cursed the Taliban while leaving the Swat Valley and some even blamed Pakistani leaders of conforming to the West by chanting "Show our picture to your master America and get money from him."
These signs are not positive at all. The evacuation of thousands of citizens shows that the Pakistani government and military fear that the violence with the Taliban will escalate. If this violence continues and the Taliban gains strength, a very serious conflict could erupt in an unstable political and economic country with nuclear capabilities. The Pakistani Military should strive to eliminate the Taliban from Pakistan at all costs. The results for the Pakistani Military so far look promising, but their efforts must continue if they wish to prevent the Taliban from seizing control of Pakistan
AP Video Linkhttp://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=13372782&ch=4226714&src=news
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