Pranab flags Taliban threat

The Pakistan government’s decision to withdraw from the Swat valley and grant legitimacy to the Taliban will have long-term implications for the world.

The Zardari government’s abdication of responsibility spells disaster for a country where the Taliban, al-Qaeda and other jihadi forces are running riot. Having tasted success in the valley, the Taliban will push more for control and expand to Sindh and Punjab province, and may eventually take over the government in Islamabad.

If that happens, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will come under the control of mullahs and fanatics… a scenario right out of a sci-fi horror movie.

The latest agreement will give a fillip to jihadis across Afghanistan and Pakistan and bring the ideology of hate to India’s doorstep.

“The Taliban is a terrorist organisation. It believes in nothing but destruction and violence. It is a danger to humanity and civilisation,” external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

The US, UK, France and Nato have expressed similar concerns.

Pakistan President Asif Zardari, who days before the deal was announced had spoken of the danger posed by the Taliban, agreed to jihadi control of the valley. The U-turn again exposes the weakness of the government. The Pakistan army is in no mood to fight the Taliban.