AP: US Strike Exposes Entrenched Militants in Pakistan

Yeah, it also exposes how entrenched militants (hereafter referred to as "targets") in Pakistan can get their nuts blown off by Hellfire missiles.

The targeting of Abu Laith al-Libi also suggests American intelligence is improving and that President Pervez Musharraf is willing to turn a blind eye to attacks along the Afghan border if they avoid civilian casualties.

The meta-narrative of course is that Musharref can't deal with it alone, the north is out of control, unless we assist them. But this kind of assistance, good intel and an effective air assault is relatively easy for us to provide, and gives him manuevering room.

"Had civilians been killed as in earlier cases it would have been criticized by the government," said Moonis Ahmer, an international relations professor at Karachi University. "As it was, just the target was eliminated. It may be that Musharraf has given a freer hand for the U.S. to carry out its operations."

Yes, he'd be obliged to make a complaint, he is a head of state. That we were able to carry out the assault is certainly evidence of his willingness to cooperate.

posted by Dave In Texas at 11:37 PM

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