April 17, 2003

  Violence in Kashmir left one policeman dead. Afghanistan is trying to get Pakistan to do something about the Taliban and al Qaeda camps in western Pakistan. There's probably not a lot that can be done, as these tribes have supported a conservative version of Islam for many generations, and are hostile to any government intervention in their affairs. The Pakistani army would have to go to war with the tribes to attempt to shut down the Taliban activity. The army does not want to fight the tribes, so Afghanistan will get kind words and empty promises. However, if Afghan and coalition forces cross into Pakistan to attack Taliban bases, the Pakistanis will be more eager to enter the area and fight the foreigners.