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People's power is only way to tame Taliban
Pakistan's authorities should ensure the tribesmen are not alone in fighting extremism.
- Gulf News
- Published: 22:54 July 5, 2009
The will of the people in the frontiers of Pakistan slowly but steadily seems to be dissolving the machinations of the Taliban.
With Islamabad ramping up the pressure on the militants across the volatile northwest and preparing its ground and air forces for another substantial offensive against the Taliban and Al Qaida in South Waziristan, the authorities are clearly redeeming themselves in the eyes of the tribals - mainly known as the lashkars - who live along the area.
The threat of the Taliban is magnified by their ability to control the day-to-day lives and minds of the tribal people. In doing so, they were in a position to spread their ideology, based on extremist principles and violence, to control the will of the tribals.
This approach, also known as Talibanisation, was considered more dangerous than their so-called ability to gain a foothold in the rest of the country and, finally, Pakistan's nuclear assets.
The Taliban's mode of operation has always been based on fear and violence. This time, however, the people have had their fill of it and are retaliating in equal measure.
Fierce fighting between tribesmen - who have seen through the idealogy of their oppressors - and militants has already started taking place in pockets.
This would ensure that government forces gain a much needed edge as they seek to restore stability. The authorities must continue to ensure that the morale of the people and their faith in the system does not crumble.
A sense of optimism must be restored to ensure that this dangerous menace is eradicated.
And as the people respond, the onus remains on the government to ensure that they are not alone.
The people's faith in the system must never be compromised. The government must learn from the lesson of the past; only then can it ensure a secure future.
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