Is Pakistan poised for a showdown with militants?

by Rao Bo

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 10 (Chinese media) -- Pakistan seems to be poised for a showdown

with the militants when President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated his resolve to

eliminate terrorists.

Pakistan's security forces have been pounding militants' hideouts,

triggering back fire from militants. But a new wave of the old threat of

terrorism has gripped the country and suggested that Pakistan is far from ready

for a showdown with militants.

A suicide bomber rammed an explosive car into the headquarters of the

Anti-Terrorist Squad of police in Islamabad amid unprecedented security measures

taken by the administration for the ongoing joint session of parliament.

The two houses of the parliament started a joint in-camera session in a bid

to review the current law and order situation and evolve a national consensus on

its strategy to fight terrorism on Wednesday.

However, local media reports suggested that all opposition groups in the

parliament have expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing on security

situation and the quality of answers to their questions. The session was

suspended and is expected to resume next Monday, with a consensus nowhere in

sight.

Security has been put on the highest alert in the capital Islamabad

recently, which has nearly become a deserted city with little traffic on roads.

The security measures are justified by the surge of terrorist attacks. At

least 11 bombing attacks have taken place across the country since Zardari was

sworn in as president on Sept. 9, leaving more than 100 people dead.

Despite condolences and condemnation, Zardari appeared to have ignored the

consequences of the attacks.

The anti-America sentiment prevails among the people of Pakistan and

Zardari is well aware of it. Talking to a U.S. media recently, Zardari said that

it was difficult to become a friend of the Untied States.

Standing by the United States on the issue of war on terror, the Pakistan

People's Party-led government will have to shoulder responsibility for the

worsening security situation, which will inevitably undermine people's

confidence and trust on the party.

In addition, it is undeniable that the poor law and order situation in the

country has shattered investors' confidence, exacerbating its economic crisis

characterized by widening trade deficit, shrinking foreign reserve and

depreciating Pakistani currency.

Zardari has rejected compromise with militants and vowed to eradicate

terrorism, without giving details about his strategy.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has clarified on many occasions that it

is the last choice to use force in fighting terrorism. However, Pakistan is left

with no other choices as its ally frequently conducts cross-border attacks in

its tribal region.

Pakistan's security forces launched a major offensive in Swat valley, a

stronghold of pro-Taliban militants last October. The military claimed at the

end of 2007 that it had controlled the area that was cleared of militants.

Nonetheless, attacks still occur in Swat frequently, a sign that the

militants are still there.

The Pakistani government has made it clear that it has been combating

terrorists on its own interest and the terrorist attacks will not deter its

resolve to eradicate terrorism. But the question is: Can it afford the showdown?