Once again, extremist Islamist radicals in Pakistan have exposed the inadequacies of the state. Notwithstanding the state’s show of strength just a few days ago at Islamabad’s Lal Masjid, the radicals had the upper hand when the mosque reopened.

Supporters of the detained cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz took over the mosque again and rioted violently. The policemen deputed to tear gas the mob were attacked by a suicide bomber right in the heart of Pakistan’s capital, resulting in many casualties. The radical extremists showed such strength in Islamabad so soon after the much publicised and high casualty military operation of a few days ago. One can only imagine their capability in the mountainous parts of Balochistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

If events in Islamabad were not enough to highlight the dire straits Pakistan finds itself, the latest US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) pointed out the failure of Pakistan’s strategy in the war against terror. It noted that Al-Qaeda has reorganised itself from safe havens in Pakistan. The NIE could well be wrong, as US intelligence sometimes is, but its release has created the spectre of direct military strikes against alleged Al-Qaeda safe havens on Pakistani soil.

The challenge of terrorists within the country and the threat of a superpower ally using military force on Pakistani soil because it distrusts Pakistan’s own capabilities should have served as a wake-up call for the leadership. Instead, Musharraf is still dragging his feet over sharing power and allowing civilians with a popular base to help him, and Pakistan, out of its tough spot.

... contd.