Expert Zone
Straight from the Specialists
Rabbani assassination and Pakistani defiance crush prospects for Afghan peace
(The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not represent those of Reuters)
The assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was in charge of the High Peace Council pursuing reconciliation talks with the Taliban, is a clarifying moment for Afghans who had hoped Rabbani’s efforts would bring peace to the war-ravaged country.
The assassination is a body blow to the political reconciliation process and will reinforce resistance among the country’s ethnic minority leaders to the very idea of seeking political accommodation with the Taliban.
Rabbani’s assassination on Tuesday is eerily similar to that of Northern Alliance commander Ahmed Shah Massoud 10 years ago in both how it was conducted and the impact it will have on political dynamics within Afghanistan. It is likely to strengthen ethnic divisions in the country and embolden hardline Taliban elements that are unwilling to compromise politically and retain close links to al-Qaeda.
News Flash: Pakistan is NOT a U.S. ally
(The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not represent those of Reuters)
U.S. media commentators acted with surprise about reports that Pakistani officials may have given the Chinese access to the downed helicopter left behind in Pakistan following the May 2 bin Laden raid.
In wake of Mumbai attacks, Pakistan could help save dialogue with India
(The views expressed in this column are the authors’ own and do not represent those of Reuters)
India’s financial capital, Mumbai, experienced yet another terrorist attack that initial estimates say killed at least 20.
Laden link to HuM shows Pakistan must do more to fight terrorism
(The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not represent those of Reuters)
New information revealing a Kashmir-focused militant group with links to Pakistani intelligence helped shield Osama bin Laden demonstrates the U.S. must press Pakistani authorities to take a more comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism.
After bin Laden: Do not retreat from Afghanistan
(The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not represent those of Reuters)
The killing of Osama bin Laden should strengthen U.S. resolve to stabilise Afghanistan and ensure that it does not return to serving as a safe haven for terrorists intent on attacking the U.S. homeland.
After bin Laden: Bringing change to Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies
(The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not represent those of Reuters)
The U.S. unilateral operation to track and kill Osama bin Laden deep inside Pakistan has raised several questions about the sustainability of the U.S.- Pakistan partnership in the fight against global terrorism.
