February 14, 2007 at 11:05:11

Understanding Islamic Militancy; Part I: Where is the Most Trouble?

SAVE AS FAVORITE

VIEW FAVORITES

By John Carey (about the author) Page 2 of 3 page(s)

opednews.com Permalink

Pakistan is becoming more strident in defending its war against terror record.

The speech of Pakistan's Foreign Minister at the February 9-11 43rd Munich Conference on Security was recorded this way:

"In a flaming speech, Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, defended his country against accusations as to a lack of commitment in the fight against international terrorism. Mr. Kasuri cited a long list of measures taken by Pakistan to support its neighboring country to the west and to prevent the infiltration of Taliban fighters. For example, 1,000 posts had been set up at the Afghan-Pakistani border. As this alone would not suffice, biometric identification procedures were now being introduced as well. In contrast, the Afghan side had just under 100 posts, he added. What was more, over 700 Pakistani soldiers had lost their lives in border fights. Mr. Kasuri explained that military force could only be one element of a holistic security concept, and that socio-economic programs had been initiated in the tribal areas of the border regions. These programs were successful in marginalizing the extremists. When seen in overall context, his efforts were testimony to his country's interest in a stable and prosperous neighbor. "

We frequently hear from Muhammad in this region and we thank him for his regular reports.

Somalia

After the failed U.S. Army humanitarian operation in Somalia from August 1992 to March 1994, the government was practically non existent. Rebels and tribal leaders attempted to assert control. Al Qaida targeted the area as a potential region to establish Islamic terrorist training areas. Recently, a movement has been made toward all inclusive diplomatic talks to get Somalia on the road toward lawful government.

The UN and others want the talks to include prominent Somali warlords, leaders of the breakaway Somaliland region and leaders of the ousted Islamic movement.

Somalia remains a very troubled land.

Afghanistan

Islamic radicals continue to engage in conflict against U.S. and NATO troops. The Muslim people of Afghanistan are mostly tribal and follow their orders from their tribal elders. We talked recently to some Afghanis who expressed revulsion at the use of suicide bombers in religious strife.

Iraq

The U.S. effort to establish a democratic government has been marred by sectarian violence.

All Around Israel

Lebanon seems to be a nation divided with Hezbollah fomenting unrest that could lead to Civil War. In the Gaza strip peace has eluded Israel and may still be a long time in coming.

Russia

In Russia's Tatarstan region more and more young people are switching from Western-style dress to Muslim attire. More than just a fashion, the trend reflects a surging interest in Islam among the youth of this largely Muslim region on the Volga River, some 450 miles east of Moscow. Violence still sometimes erupts in Chechnya.

1 | 2 | 3

http://peace-and-freedom.blogspot.com/

John E. Carey is the former president of International Defense Consultants, Inc.

The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.

Contact Author

Contact Editor

View Authors' Articles

Book Recommendations for "Afghanistan China"

Central Asian Questions, Essays on Afghanistan, China, and Central Asia
by Demetrius C. Boulger

$450.00

Number of pages:
Publisher: T. Fisher Unwin