The killing of one of America's most wanted Taliban leaders, Hakimullah Mehsud, revealed a few details that could shed more light on the activities of the Pakistani Islamist leader.
One of the things that came to light, is the princely lifestyle of the leader of the Pakistani faction of the Taliban.
The Waziristan ensconced leader was killed in what is by Pakistani standards, a princely mansion. Marble floors, lush gardens, and other amenities. In a strange reminiscence of the compound built by Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, this mansion was merely one km from the well-stocked local army headquarters.
The Pakistani authorities have expressed their anger at the drone strike, citing the fact that the Pakistani Taliban was supposed to be seated at coming peace talks aimed at terminating the long string of terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil.
The issue however, is that Pakistan is, in secret, agreeing with most drone strikes. There is a loss of credibility at the nexus of knowledge of the whereabouts of a very wanted figure, and the declaration that that figure, now deceased, had been or would be pivotal to restoring peace to the Pakistani homeland.
Op-Ed
Source : France 24/ 11.04.13
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