What is the solution of the problem? You do realize that the "Tribal Taliban" will only be satisfied if they are allowed complete freedom to do two things:
1. Freedom to carry out their twisted "Jihad" against the "Infidels" in Afghanistan.
2. Freedom to impose their own version of Islam ala Afghani Taliban in Pakistan.
How can any government accede to those demands? Explain that to me please. What do you think the repercussions would be if the government did accede?
Time ran out a long time ago. The two alternatives are to face the bloodshed that will ensue, but wipe off this blot of extremism from the face of the earth, or face the bloodshed that will ensue as the extremists are allowed to create another Talibanistic regime in Pakistan.
It's a lose lose the way I see it. But its more honorable to die fighting for the rule of law, freedom and equality instead of bowing our heads in front of the monster of extremism, intolerance, bigotry and backwardness that these Mullah's would have us adopt under the guise of "Shariat".
The only "sane" or "middle of the road" option that existed was the one Musharraf did try; the agreements with the taliban in Waziristan, the free reign given to the more extreme practitioners of Islam. Do you remember what ever happened to the thugs from the MMA who were arrested after they assaulted women and children and prevented them from running in the mixed marathon? They were all let go I believe. We have been living this lie for a long time. Hoping against hope that somehow it would be possible to coexist with these extremists. It isn't. They will not tolerate anything but their obscurantist, bigoted system.
These people criticize Musharraf, and the moderates, for being "anti-Islam". What has he done or advocated that is so "anti-Islam"? Has he stopped people from praying? has he stopped people from growing beards? Has he stopped women from wearing headscarf's or veils? Has he banned the Quran? Has he prevented people from not educating their daughters? No. The Mullahs on the other hand, don't give a hoot about the desires of those pakistanis (also in the millions) who would rather not grow a beard; who would rather not wear a headscarf; who would rather not pray.
The side that claims to represents "Islam" right now, is advocating an ideology not very different from fascism. And while moderates will tolerate an equitable "Islamic Pakistan", we will not tolerate a "Islamofascist Pakistan" (There now, you have made me use a phrase from the Western Media that I detest)
You know what, if the Taliban were not so "anti-image" or "anti-idol", I bet we would have seen something similar to the "running of the Jew" scene that Borat used to caricature the antisemitism in some societies.
Excellent post, saved me from typing stuff out. The way you express yourself and your points is spot on.