Pakistan officials allow Sharia in volatile region

LA Times ^ | February 17, 2009 | Zulfiqar Ali and Laura King

[PurpleMan]

In a significant concession to Islamic militants battling the central government, Pakistani authorities Monday agreed to allow the imposition of Sharia, or Islamic law, in a onetime tourist destination [Swat Valley] just 100 miles northwest of Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.

[PurpleMan]

Pretty soon the Swat Valley will be just like Detroit.

OUCH!!!

[Syncro]

More on the same subject

Pakistan Creates Safe-haven for Taliban (Imposing Islamic Law)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:13:50 AM · by Syncro · 5 replies · 118+ views

Move America Forward ^ | Tuesday, February 17, 2009 | Catherine Moy

[Doogle]

Swat Valley...must be a lot of flies there

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Holbrooke called Islamic insurgents in Pakistan "an enemy that poses a direct threat to our leadership, our capitals and our people." During his visit to Pakistan last week, he met with refugees from Swat, describing them as "frankly, quite terrified."

Good Heavens. This guy Holbrooke is clearly not up to the pay grade.

[MplsSteve]

Two things immediately come to mind here...

1. Allowing sharia law that close to the capital is an admission that the central govt is powerless.

OR

2. The central government is publicly allowing sharia law whereas in the past, they turned a blind eye to it.

Either way, this is alarming news especially when you consider that Pakistan is a nuclear power. The idea of a radical Al Qaeda/Taliban element either seizing power in a coup or winning national elections is highly disturbing.

Unlike in Turkey where the army serves as a deterrent of sorts fom radical Islam ever gaining a strong toehold, there seems to be no fear of the Pakistani army amongst the radical elements.