Double-edged sword of 'surrendered' Taliban in Waziristan

[Cuirassier]

Very essential facts brought out. These 'surrendered' guys are given clout and used to form 'Aman Committee' there; used to combat militants owing to their knowledge of local terrain and militant tactics - a classic counterinsurgency tactic, applied by the Indians in the 90s in J&K. (Ikhwan)

Problem with these idiots is that being tribal and fiercely-independent they're given a free hand and hence scuffle with locals - who in turn are fed up with the State that gives clout and power to them. Hence, the PTM and others call them 'state-sponsered' militants.

Personally I strongly oppose such appeasement techniques - de-weaponise them and buzz'em off to rehab. But the PA has always had some self-crowned tacticians who make such decisions for tactical purposes. Are the Tochi Scouts, South Waziristan Scouts and Bhittani Rifles not local enough to be an effective counterinsurgency force?

Thank Goodness the operations are over though. Back then such tactics of supporting one group, crushing the other, and then turning on the first were common as we couldn't afford to go all out, without the supply lines intact. Hence f@#$ers like Hafiz Gul Bahadur and Mullah Nazir were tolerated.

Having studied several COIN conflicts of the recent past, I've found each and everyone to be dirty to a variable degree - lies, deceit are commonplace.

PS : The degree of 'regrouping' has been exaggerated by this Mehsud; I've seen such bogies ever since major ops ended in the summer of '17.

 

[Bouncer]

self-crowned tacticians

Personally I strongly oppose such appeasement techniques - de-weaponise them and buzz'em off to rehab.

Right.. de-weaponizing would work. Just snatch their AKs and fools wouldn't know where to get another one. And "buzz'em" to rehab, but where? Where are these rehab centers for thousands of brainwashed kids? who pays for them? I'd rather have faith in "self-crowned tacticians" in GHQ & Aabpaara. Thanks.

 

[Cuirassier]

Right.. de-weaponizing would work. Just snatch their AKs and fools wouldn't know where to get another one. And "buzz'em" to rehab, but where? Where are these rehab centers for thousands of brainwashed kids? who pays for them? I'd rather have faith in "self-crowned tacticians" in GHQ & Aabpaara. Thanks.

The military does run several rehab centers if you weren't aware. They aren't disarmed because of the role in which they fit in Waziristan. Good luck with your trust in the redtapes. Would surely hope they don't disappoint.