Pakistani forces recaptured a town in South Waziristan from the Taliban, at least momentarily. Kotkai has changed hands three times in the last week. AIthough the town has some strategic significance, it is important symbolically, since it is the birthplace of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud and the home town of Qari Hussain Mehsud, a senior commander known as the mentor of suicide bombers.
The victory may be Pyrrhic. The Taliban launched a series of suicide bombing and commando raids that have killed more than 150 people.
Military spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas:
Kotkai was a stronghold of terrorists. A majority of households were turned into bunkers. The insurgents have abandoned their weapons and shaved their beards to try to blend in with ordinary civilians and avoid capture.
Still the West dithers. Increased forces in Afghanistan would help cut the supply lines to the Taliban in Pakistan and perhaps greet the newly shaved terrorists with good old American ordinance. If you think these men have quit the war, you are mistaken. This is just a skirmish in Islam's 1400 year battle with everything non-Islam.
The Taliban must be crushed. Crushing defeat is the only thing Islam respects. Such a defeat would cause Islam to withdraw for a time, but only to get ready for another battle. Modern Western politicians are squeamish about overwhelming victory, and so, the Taliban will win this war. Eventually.
Stand up. Call your Rep and Senator. Obama must commit troops to Afghanistan. This is the renewal of the battle for civilization. The irony is that the West is in the hands of Pakistan and a Muslim in the Oval Office!
