Unrest in the Middle East

Throughout the year 2009, the Taliban has attempted to invade parts of Pakistan. These insurgents have taken place mainly along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, as well as in the Swat Valley in the northern part of the country. As most people know, the Taliban is a Fundamentalist Islamic political group that rules with an iron fist, and often uses death and/or torture as a punishment for any violation of Islamic law. In recent months, there have been reports of women being beaten for not wearing burqas in the Swat Valley or leaving their house without a male escort. Also, newly erected schools for girls are being burned down, as the Taliban tries to renew a male-dominated pure Islamic culture, reminiscent of pre-American Afghanistan. The main concern, however, is that the Taliban is attempting to spread further into Pakistan and seemingly desires to invade the country. The insurgents of these Taliban militias, many with ties to the terrorist network called Al Quaeda, are advancing toward the capital city. The President of Pakistan admits that peace in danger in this region, but feels confident in his efforts to make peace negotiations with Taliban militias. He claims that he will continue to make sure that nuclear weapons are "in safe hands" and will do everything in his power to stay away from war. In the meantime, Musharraf is trying to compromise with Taliban leaders; for example, he said that he would allow the implementation of Islamic law in the Swat Valley if the militias discontinued the burning of schools for girls and the beheadings of those in opposition. Although this is a scary situation, we need not fear yet, according to CNN. The American as well as the Pakistani governments will continue to strive for nonviolent settlement and compromise in this wartorn region.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30450341/displaymode/1176/rstry/30452646/