Unwilling/unable to engage and destroy the Waziristan Taliban – most of whom are transplants from Afghanistan after the 2001 invasion – Pakistan has accepted the terms of defeat dictated by the Taliban. How else can one explain the concrete, tangible concessions handed over by Pakistan (return of captured men, arms, vehicles; reassertion of rights to Taliban province citizens, hysical withdrawal of Pak troops; and an undisclosed amount of cash as reparations [reportedly an obscene amount]) all in exchange for Taliban promises? These same promises were both made and immediately broken in thesimilar 2003 ‘deal’ with South Waziristan.

This is a black day for the War on Terror, make no mistake.

For consideration: ThreatsWatch.Org: InBrief: Pakistan Cedes North Waziristan to Taliban

If Mr. Ali considers fighting teh Taliban & al-Qaeda in Waziristan a “waste of everything” then, in this observer’s opinion, either his aliance does not reside with the west or anyone else engaging in the War on Terror or his will to stand against terrorism is seriously lacking, regardless of whether or not General Sultan’s words were used by ABC out of context.

While it would not be beyond believable for that to have happened, it is of little consequence.

Pakistan just ceded victory and safe haven to both the Taliban and al-Qaeda. If UBL were to establish himself in the newly granted Waziristan safe haven (if he is not already there), what is Sultan or any other General going to do now?

The answer is a dark and disheartening one: Nothing.

Do Sultan’s words mean much now in that perspective?