Washington ratchets up pressure on Pakistan's new government

At issue is Islamabads attempt to reach truces and peace accords with pro-Taliban militias who have seized control of large swathes of territory in the countrys autonomous tribal region, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and much of the Swat Valley in the North-West Frontier Province. These areas are inhabited by Pashtun, the ethno-linguistic group that has borne the brunt of the US invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.

Recent days have seen a mounting chorus of criticism of the Pakistani governments peace initiative from Bush administration officials, US Congressmen, and US and NATO military leaders.

In an interview with the BBC last Saturday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice claimed Washington fully respect[s] the Pakistani governments decision to initiate peace talks, all the while suggesting that they will only benefit the terrorists.

I dont believe, declared Rice, that the Pakistani government wants to create circumstances in which terrorists can get breathing space. I certainly dont think that Pakistan wants to make this Afghanistans problem.

On Sunday, NATOs civilian spokesman in Afghanistan, Mark Laity, claimed that the Pakistani peace talks are responsible for a surge in Taliban activity in Afghanistan. Said Laity, We have seen increased activity in the eastern part of the country especially, which we believe can only be attributed to the de facto ceasefires and a reduction of Pakistani military activity.

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