Pakistan must not cow to terrorists

The cowardly suicide bombing in Islamabad on Saturday night portrays an air of desperation on the part of the terrorists. More than 50 people were killed - more are expected to be dragged out of the rubble of what remains of the Marriott hotel - and scores were injured.

The timing of the attack could be no coincidence as it coincided with the time when most of the guests would be celebrating their post-iftar meals. It is only by sheer luck that such diners were congregated to the rear of the hotel and likely suffered fewer injuries than those in the front reception.

Although no group has yet come forward to accept responsibility for the callous act, the main suspect is the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a fragmented group of militants that emanate from the north-western tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

The head of the group is presumed to be Baitullah Mahsud who is alleged to have planned the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's former prime minister, who was campaigning for office at the time of her death.

The terrorist act on Saturday was part of a series of similar attacks in recent months. Every time the Pakistan army increases its operations against terrorists, particularly those infiltrating from Afghanistan, terrorists similarly increase their countermeasures.

The US has consistently blamed Pakistan for its inadequate response to terrorism despite over 150,000 troops on the border, and in recent days over 70 terrorists were killed in a successful operation carried out by the Pakistan army.

It is obvious Saturday's attack was a deliberate affront to the new president, Asif Zardari, who four hours earlier had addressed the nation claiming his government would not be cowed by terrorists.

Zardari will find he has an uphill battle on his hands, but first he must ensure he has all the military on side.