Waziristan - impact on the Taliban insurgency and the stability of Pakistan

Abstract

This report takes a closer look at the struggles currently taking place in the Federal Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, bordering with Afghanistan. It provides an overview of some of the militant factions who are active in the area, and analyses the Pakistani Government and Army responses to the violence. It argues that these responses may have backfired on the Pakistani authorities and created a vicious circle. Waziristan – and the other tribal districts – may have become a new ‘free haven’ increasingly capable of both harbouring and exporting local and foreign militants into Pakistan and Afghanistan. The recent shift in policy resulting in the (North-) Waziristan Accord between tribal leaders, militants and the Pakistani Authorities, is seen as a shortterm effort to curb the militants in the area. The report discusses the value of such an accord and what long-term consequences this truce may have.