Worsening conflict likely in northwest Pakistan

Knoxville News Sentinel ^ | Sunday, February 17, 2008 | KATHY GANNON

[skully]

BADABER, Pakistan - A showdown is shaping up in Pakistan's turbulent northwest between secular-minded ethnic Pashtuns and those who support Taliban-style Islamists - a conflict that is likely to sharpen regardless of which side wins Monday's elections.

Politicians and analysts fear the vote for a provincial assembly, which is being elected at the same time as the national parliament, will produce a coalition powerless to curb the region's slide toward domination by Islamic militants.

[Brian S. Fitzgerald]

How fast is the Taliban movement growing in Pakistan?

[G8 Diplomat]

Pakistan ۋﮧ۱م

FReepmail if you want on or off

[G8 Diplomat]

A showdown is shaping up in Pakistan's turbulent northwest between secular-minded ethnic Pashtuns and those who support Taliban-style Islamists - a conflict that is likely to sharpen regardless of which side wins Monday's elections.

This is why I've been saying democracy in Pakistan is a bad idea! Islam is incompatible with democracy.

If half your country is overrun by terrorists, who do you want in power? A figurehead democratic president with limited powers or a military dictator?

[G8 Diplomat]

A figurehead democratic president with limited powers or a military dictator?

I should clarify, this is assuming the head of state is committed to fighting the terrorists.

[Jabba the Nutt]

The Sopranos meet Pakistan: The Badaber Badabing.

[forkinsocket]

If half your country is overrun by terrorists, who do you want in power? A figurehead democratic president with limited powers or a military dictator?

Amen.