If America attacks Iraq, why not attack Al Qaeda too? Bombing Iraq could provoke major terrorist reprisals. America has readied itself for attacking Al Qaeda. Late last month, America sought Pakistan's permission to bomb the nwfp tribal belt bordering Afghanistan. An estimated 10,000 Al Qaeda terrorists have taken sanctuary there. For some time, Osama himself was thought to be hiding there.
The situation in the region has reached a flashpoint. The bombing of a madrassa and a mosque led to clashes between Pakistani and US troops stationed there. There is speculation of an imminent uprising against the Americans.
The tribal belt on Afghanistan's border has resisted outside interference for centuries. Neither the British nor the Pakistanis were ever able to administer the area. After each election, Pakistani leaders obtained legislative support from the region by simply buying out tribal leaders. Both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto resorted to this.
Now fierce opposition to America is building up in the region. Americans have specifically identified the Mahsoud and Khattak tribes for protecting Al Qaeda. Musharraf dare not permit the Americans to bomb the area. There are over 100,000 Mahsoud and Khattak troops in the Pakistani army who would revolt. Retired Lt General Ali Kuli Khan Khattak is one potential threat. Nawaz overlooked his claims and made Musharraf army chief. Khattak has warned General Mohammed Aziz, chairman, joint chiefs of staff. Aziz himself is hardcore pro-jehadi and China's main man in Pakistan. The NWFP province is now governed by the pro-jehadi Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) alliance.
The stakes are high. Independent Baluchistan and Pakhtunistan lurk in the shadows. Before allowing the Americans to bomb Al Qaeda, Musharraf would seek assurances. Was that why he visited Putin last week? The same day Putin consulted Vajpayee too on the phone. A major crisis seems coming. Is Pakistan moving towards restructuring?
Geography and history
Could undo the mystery
Of brothers torn asunder
By hollow religious thunder!
