Local Militias Hunting Down and Killing Taliban in Pakistan?

A bit of good news:

August 31, 2009: As police expand their search of Pakistan's Swat valley, looking for any remaining Taliban, they are finding that local tribal militias, who have openly declared war on pro-Taliban tribesmen, have been there first. Over two hundred bodies, of pro-Taliban men, have been found so far. Many local men in Swat sided with the Taliban, and participated in the brutal Taliban rule. These guys have not been able to get transport out of the area, because of all the army roadblocks, and the difficulty of going cross country for long distances. So the tribal militias are hunting down and killing known Taliban thugs.

Is it true? Pakistan is now holding off on sending its army into South Waziristan, deciding to back up the militias with gunships and such and let them "finish the job" themselves. But Pakistan always seems to be looking for, and finding, some reason or other to take no action against the Taliban.

On the other hand, the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating.

Not Really Related But Sort of: Pakistan's reality shows are a bit less professional than ours. A contestant drowned while attempting to swim a river with a 15 pound weight attached to his back.

Hmmm... River. Swimming. A heavy weight attached to your back. It's like lightning struck here. No way to predict this mishap.

On the plus side, he has immunity in next week's vote.

Thanks to Arthur for the serious tip and OgreGunner for the silly one.

(Um, well, a death isn't really silly but, you know. He died in a silly way.)

posted by Ace at 02:23 PM

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