Pakistani militant chief pledges to keep fighting foreign forces in Afghanistan

International Herald Tribune ^ | 5/23/08 | The Associated Press

[Dawnsblood]

Tehrik-e-Taliban announced a cease-fire in Pakistan's tribal regions last month. Mohammed said Friday the group would hold its fire as long as peace talks continue with the Pakistani government.

"We will not attack government positions and whoever indulges in such an attack will be treated as an enemy," he said.

But Mohammed said the Western troops in Afghanistan remained a legitimate target.

"We are Muslims and the enemy of infidels," Mohammed told the gathering. "We will continue our jihad (holy war) in Afghanistan as long as the foreign allied forces are there."

Pakistan's new civilian administration came to power two months ago, aiming to quell violence by tribal militants and an explosion in suicide attacks that had shocked Pakistanis.

The strategy of negotiation marks a shift from the policy of former army chief President Pervez Musharraf, a longtime U.S. ally in the war on terror, who relied more on military force.

Musharraf claimed successes in fighting al-Qaida, but critics claimed heavy-handed deployments by the army ignited a militant backlash that destabilized Pakistan.

Amid U.S. apprehensions over where peace talks will lead, Pakistan's government reiterated Friday it would only negotiate with those who renounce militancy and violence.

[Dawnsblood]

So they continue to safely shelter in Pakistan while occasionally trying to kill our folks in Afghanistan. Sounds like every truce they have ever brokered in Pakistan. What a surprise!

[faq]

Don’t worry, Obama will make some ingenious argument that will persuade them to stop attacking.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

They have gone public already....FR Thread:

Pakistani Taliban leader vows to conduct attacks in Afghanistan