Can the new militant strategy work?
Big attacks against civilians would anger Pakistanis, most of whom reject the Taliban’s ideology and violent methods. That was evident on Monday after a suicide bomber blew himself up among thousands of Shi’ite Muslims at a religious festival. The attack in the commercial capital Karachi killed 43 people, and triggered riots which destroyed hundreds of buildings. A call for a strike to protest violence was observed by the public, a sign that the Taliban strategy could backfire. Much will depend on the mood of Pakistanis. It’s a complex issue. For instance, many were enraged last year after a video of Taliban militants flogging a young woman was circulated. At the same time Zardari’s close ties with Washington have deeply disappointed Pakistanis. U.S. drone missile attacks on militants on Pakistani soil, as well as a conditional U.S. aid package, have infuriated people who see it as a humiliating violation of sovereignty. Where does the military stand? Pakistan’s military — which has r
