Beating Them By Joining Them: Pakistan Reaches Peace Accord with Taliban That Caves Into Demands for Islamic Law and End of Military Offensive

Pakistan appears to have end the conflict with the Taliban but yielding to their extremist demands in northwest Pakistan. Under a new accord, Islamic rule will be allowed in the region and Pakistan will back off from its attempt to control the region. The result will likely increase the violence in Afghanistan and power of the Taliban.

Amir Haider Khan Hoti, the chief minister for the North West Frontier Province, announced that officials will begin to impose Islamic law in Malakand region, which includes the Swat Valley. Swat is where the world has seen beheading residents, burning girls schools, acid attacks on girls going to school, and open support for the Taliban.

In celebration of its obvious victory, the Taliban has suspended further attacks.

The loss of the Swat Valley is an expansion of control for the Taliban since this tourist area was once under the control of the central government.

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