(News Updates bottom of post)
Students from Swat Valley take part in a rally against the ongoing military operation in the valley, Saturday, May 9, 2009 in Peshawar, Pakistan. Doctors rushed to treat an influx of wounded Pakistani civilians on Saturday as thousands of troops backed by bomb-dropping warplanes sought to purge Taliban militants from a northwestern valley. Associated Press © 2009
Ghafar Khan, who was injured by shell fragments during fighting in Pakistan's northwest Buner district a month ago, cries in a hospital in Mardan, Pakistan, Saturday, May 9, 2009.
Ghafar, and his brother(the baby in this photo) were brought to Mardan by their parents in recent days as fighting intensified in Pakistan's latest offensive against Taliban militants. Associated Press © 2009
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The first part just below was Posted May 8, 2009:
This effort (by US encouraged evidently - Pakistani forces) reminds me of the beginning of the horrors of Fallujah - Iraq - a disaster! Why can't the people be given warning and time to leave? I am so ashamed of our US pressures that would be partially the reason for this killing. So many wise and astute have said and keep saying that missiles are not the answer but will only bring more rage!
here
Some readers unfamiliar with global news may want to follow DAWN the largest Pakistani English-version newspaper - the blogs, etc. - especially now - since what & how the US is offering support and for what - the killing, etc. overshadowing the "Hearts and Minds" approaches - we may all well regret the results - maybe it's not too late to make some changes?
Headlines at "Dawn" newspaper May 8, 2009:
US almost doubles military aid to Pakistan: An increase from $400 mln to $700 mln for the next fiscal year set aside to improve Pakistan’s counterinsurgency capability.
(I'm pleased yet saddened to see this theme of US contributions on Dawn (unlike mainstream headlines in the US) Also several items on this issue of "Dawn" on principles apparently being brushed over - at the moment - by the military leaders.
Principles are surely worth following and supporting - however difficult - from both the US and Pakistan...
There is some interesting blogging also at this newspaper today along with several articles which speak of the focus needing to be on Hearts & Minds...
See:
DAWN.COM | NWFP | Battle for hearts & minds
Battle for hearts & minds. By Shahid Javed Burki Tuesday, 28 Apr, 2009
Call for regional approach to defeat terrorists: Qureshi stresses ...
Feb 9, 2009 ... In the “battle for people's hearts and minds, the power of persuasion must be stronger than the effects of coercion:
here
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UPDATES posted May 9, 2009 New from AP here
In Pakistan, There Are No Easy Answers (By a North Carolina, USA professor and expert on insurgency - NPR.org, May 8, 2009 · When it comes to Pakistan, the U.S. is boxed in. ... See also related NPR Stories. May 8, 2009. Pakistan: U.S Needs To Keep Its Promises ...here
News: U.S. and World News Headlines : NPR
Hundreds Of Thousands Flee Fighting In Pakistan ... May 8, 2009 · Pope Benedict XVI begins his first tour of the Holy Land this week, ...
here
Smart Power in Pakistan/Afghanistan? | CommonDreams.org
Published on Friday, May 8, 2009 by The Nation. Smart Power in Pakistan/Afghanistan? here
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