Avoid the quicksands

PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani and Foreign Minister Qureshi have strongly opposed any possible US intervention in the tribal areas. The fact that three important leaders of the ruling coalition felt it necessary to simultaneously voice their concern indicates that they have reason to believe that a misadventure of the sort might be in the offing. The reiteration by Admiral Mike Mullen that the tribal areas have become safe haven for terrorists combined with the revelation that the Pentagon has worked out a strategy for action in the tribal areas has also roused widespread concern. There are reports meanwhile of US drones intruding deep into the tribal region. Fears are being expressed that the US casualties in Kunar province on Sunday might be used as an excuse by those in the Pentagon itching to get involved in FATA. Washington has to understand that it is easier to get into the tribal areas than to come out. Any shortsighted operation would be counterproductive and harm long-term US int

erests in Pakistan.