The U.S. and Pakistan's Stance on the Taliban

Pakistan seems to be having extreme difficulties in stopping the Taliban. According to many U.S. officials the Pakistani military remains focused on India, and not the Taliban. This is a major issue because about 500 militants have gained control of the Buner district. Buner is 70 miles from Islamabad. This poses very sever problems because many feel Pakistan is not fighting the insurgents in the proper way.

Pakistan has negotiated with the Taliban and granted them the Buner district. The Taliban effusively now holds this area and has implemented Sharia law. Sharia law is law based on the Koran and teachings of Islam. Many, especially Obama and his administration, feel that Pakistan has handled the Taliban in the wrong way and should make a stand against the Taliban. Many troops are unavailable to help patrol the Afghanistan border because they are currently stationed by the Indian border and reluctant to leave. Instead Pakistan sent "Just several hundred poorly paid and equipped constabulary forces to Buner, who were repelled in a clash with the insurgents, leaving one police officer dead."( Gall, Schmitt The New York Times.) "It illustrates there is a lack of political will in the Pakistan civilian leadership to confront these Pakistan Taliban" Senator Jack Reed, D Rhode Island.

The lack of action taken by Pakistan to rid Buner and all of Pakistan of the Taliban has stressed relations between the U.S. and Pakistan. Many U.S. officials have spoken harshly about Pakistan's ability to stop the Taliban. "I have absolutely no confidence in the ability of the existing Pakistan government to do one blessed thing. " Representative David R. Obey, Wisconsin Democrat. The constant urges from the United States to be aggressive has fallen on deaf ears in the Pakistan Government. With the rising tensions between U.S. and Pakistan officials, and Taliban activity escalating in Buner and The Swat Valley, Pakistan's lack of action could lead to serious growth and advancement further down in to Pakistan by the Taliban and other insurgent groups.





The New York Times, U.S. Questions Pakistan's Will To Stop Taliban, Carlotta Gall and Eric Schmitt