Swat plea for rescue as Zardari and Brown discuss Pakistan aid crisis

Source: The Times (UK)

Terrified civilians trapped in the Swat Valley begged to be rescued today as the Pakistan Army prepared for its biggest confrontation yet with the Taleban. Their pleas came as Asif Ali Zardari, the Pakistani President, was due to meet Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Sreet. The two leaders were expected to discuss the military situation and Mr Zardari will ask for aid to deal with the humanitarian crisis developing in northwest Pakistan.

Up to 4,000 Taleban fighters are in control of Mingora, Swat's main town, and have executed seven people on suspicion of being army informers, leaving their bodies unburied in the main square.

Residents said today that the extremists were digging trenches and planting mines as they prepared for the encircling troops to begin their offensive. Army jets and helicopters buzzed over the valley and strafed Taleban positions, and more troops were parachuted into the war zone.

Local people cannot flee because the roads around the town have been blocked by the Army to prevent the Taleban from melting away into the surrounding tribal regions. "Please, please, please, do not call me again – they will cut my throat and say that I was spying," whispered one resident still inside Mingora, when contacted by the AFP news agency.

Read more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6279660.ece

---

Pakistan conflict map

A map produced by the BBC suggests only 38% of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and surrounding areas is under full government control.

The map, compiled by the BBC's Urdu language service, was based on local research and correspondent reports as well as conversations with officials.

It shows the Taleban strengthening their hold across the north-west.



Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8047504.stm

Taliban wants 'new world order'


Zardari, right, said that the Taliban 'wants to
change the way of life of the world' (EPA)

Asif Ali Zardari, the Pakistani president, has said that his country's fight against the Taliban is not just a domestic battle but one that the whole world needs to be wary of.

Speaking during a news conference in London with Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, Zardari said the Taliban are seeking to create a "new world order" and that more effort was needed by the international communty to defeat the fighters.

Standing alongside Brown, Zardari said: "It is a long-term endeavour and we are both united to fight against this endeavour which is challenging our way of life and wants to change the way of life of the world."

The president's comments came as the Taliban in Pakistan warned politicians from the Swat valley that they and their families will be attacked unless they quit their posts in protest against the continuing army offensive in the troubled region.

Brown, who promised $18m in humanitarian aid for civilians fleeing the fighting in Swat valley, said: "We will help provide shelter, water, food and sanitation for those people who have been displaced as a result of these terrorist acts. But there's scope for us to do far more.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/05/200951318231992667.html

The BBC map of Taleban territory should give concern to anyone that cares about women and girls' rights.

Do you think it deserves a thread of its own? I was considering starting one with it but wasn't sure where to put it...