Pakistan Seeking Understanding With Islamic Militants

Pakistani officials appear less willing than ever to confront Islamic extremist groups, and recently they are instead opting for a diplomatic approach to the handling of terrorist organizations within their country.

According to The Washington Post, recent statements issued by Pakistani officials reject any notion of widespread military action against insurgents in tribal areas of the country and instead call for truces. Reports are not clear as to which militant groups the country will make peace with, or if the insurgents will be willing to cooperate.

According to reports, most Pakistanis have become very disgruntled by the Mideast occupation of the U.S. military and believe that the foreign forces have driven up the number of terror attacks on Pakistanis. Many in the country view the militant groups as disgruntled countrymen more than terrorist organizations and feel that the end of foreign military actions in the region will suppress terror attempts on Pakistani targets.

Though U.S. officials are still calling on Pakistanis to take a hard stance against Islamic militants, leaders in Pakistan say that the idea is hypocritical given how the U.S. is now approaching the Taliban. The U.S. military has recently sought to facilitate talks between Afghan officials and the fractured militant group, according to Andhra News. Many Pakistanis see the United States’ new approach, negotiating with militant groups like the Haqqani network, as a way to save face in the Mideast before the anticipated 2014 troop withdrawal.