Rules of engagement

WHILE General Kayani's statement on defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be widely hailed, many would have wished the condemnation of the killing of innocent citizens in Angoor Adda had been more prompt than delayed for a week. It would also be questioned if routine protests, to which Washington has become impervious, are the most proper response to the violation of the country's territorial integrity. It remains murky how it was possible for two dozen US Navy Seals to conduct a ground attack, spread over hours, without being challenged by Pakistani troops. If The New York Times is to be believed, President Bush, who has already declared the Pak-Afghan border a front line in the War On Terror, had given approval for ground attacks inside FATA in July. The statements of the US CJCS, Defence Secretary and White House spokesperson also indicate the Bush administration has decided to include FATA in its area of operation. According to JCS Chairman Adm Mike Mullen the war in Afghanistan, currently being lost, can only be won if the new strategy, which stresses targeting FATA, is urgently implemented. Seven attacks within 12 days indicate Washington is following a highly aggressive policy.