“Pakistan’s Push For New Role in Afghanistan”
This BBC article explores the apparent shift in Pakistan’s approach to the war in Afghanistan. The article opens by discussing the resent alleged arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is second in command of the Taliban hierarchy, by the Pakistani police. The arrest is the catalyst of the new Pakistani approach, wanting more and more influence in negotiations between the Taliban and counter-insurgence forces.
However, there is opposition and frustration coming from NATO forces following this new shift. It does not specify as to why there is frustration, and what negative consequences could result. The article discusses how the Obama administration has been urging Pakistan to become more involved in the process, unlike the Bush administration. A Pakistani General bluntly announces that the Taliban is the future of Afghanistan, and Pakistan would be foolish not to be involved in negotiating with them. The article finishes up reporting that Washington is hailing Islamabad for their co-operation. This just weeks after the U.S. lost seven operatives to a double agent suicide bomb.
The article is one of many that are focusing on the apparently new shift in Pakistan’s policy. The article attempts objectiveness, both praising and voicing concerns for the new movement. It seems that all sides have both fears and praise for the new shift, creating an unsure atmosphere that will most likely play itself out in the near future. The arrests are positive for the public, but the article and other information suggests that the Pakistani government knows where these people are at all times, and therefore the sudden arrest suggests only shifted interests and not genuine progression with dismantling the Taliban.
“Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Kabir 'seized in Pakistan'”
This BBC article discusses various alleged arrests along with some confirmed arrests of high-ranking Taliban officials. The article opens by discussing the alleged arrest of Mullah Abdul Kabir, believed to be a member of the Taliban leadership council based in Pakistan. Local police and military spokesmen deny the arrest, as do spokesmen for the Taliban. This alleged arrest would come following a series of other arrests, including two “puppet- governors” of northern Afghan provinces.
Neither of these arrests have been confirmed, by the arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has been confirmed. Reports claim that Baradar oversaw Taliban military operations in Afghanistan, run the group's leadership council and controlled its finances. Coalition forces continue their fight is southern Afghanistan. Other Taliban leaders such as Mullah Mohammed Younis have been arrested. All reports come from unnamed Pakistani intelligence officials, making the data very hard to verify.
The article is attempting to gather information about alleged arrests and compile them. The new shift in Pakistani policies is unclear to say the least. The arrests suggest that Pakistan is finally deciding to put pressure on on the Taliban in Pakistan, or that they want to bring in Taliban officials to negotiate, to try and end this chaotic period. It is vital for the U.S. to figure out what the Pakistani interests are so that we can get on the same page and work together.
“Pakistan Plays Ball”
This Foreign Policy, AfPak channel article discusses the possible shift in Pakistani interests as well. The U.S. has been waiting since 2001 for Pakistan to show a committed effort to the war. Despite Pakistan’s President’s continued pledge of support, U.S. intelligence suspects Pakistan of protecting Afghan Taliban leaders such as Mullah Omar, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and others. Up to nine arrests have been made of Taliban officials, most likely due to evidence provided by formerly captured Baradar.
These arrests, along with former arrests in the past five years, show the ever-increasing army-to-army cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan. Part of the new shift could possibly be the new appointment to the head of the ISI (Pakistan’s spying agency) Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha and new head of the army staff Lt. Gen. Ashfaq Kayani. These two have distanced themselves from their predecessors and given U.S. intelligence much needed data on Taliban activities, whereabouts, and personnel.
This article is more optimistic then other articles about the changing shift in Pakistan’s policies towards Afghan Taliban. The article implies that these arrests are a statement by Pakistan that they are firmly in the war against the Taliban, and on the same page as the U.S. However, there clearly information missing from this article explaining why Pakistan would make these arrests so abruptly. It is most likely that they want to be considered a major player in fighting the Taliban, as to have a major say in the aftermath- whatever that may be.
