1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation
Fourteen people, including 11 French nationals, were killed in Karachi when a suicide bomber drove into a Pakistan Navy bus and exploded some incendiary device. The Pakistani police have so far arrested more than 100 people in connection with its investigations of the bombing. The Pakistan government has not ruled out the possibility of Al Qaeda's involvement in the bombing and warned of more attacks. Kamran Khan's report in the daily News, however, suggests that an unidentified Pakistani group planned the attack. Pepe Escobar's essay in Asia Times suggests that various different parties could have carried out the attack.
"Suicide bombing leaves 14 dead"
"100 held after Karachi attack"
"More suicide attacks feared this month"
"Evidence points finger at local group"
"Al-Qaeda vs France, or India vs Pakistan?"
According to a report in the Daily Times, the US and its allied forces are planning to extend their operations to the entire length of the Afghan-Pakistan border. Reports indicate that tribal leaders are unhappy at the presence of foreign troops and have warned of "bloodshed" in the area. The Daily Times reports that a check post of the US-led coalition forces was burnt while a rocket hit a building housing US agents. An editorial in the daily Balochistan Post states that the current government is "plunging Pakistan into fire to serve the interests of others." An essay in the Daily Times argues that "the US and the ISAF are not pitched against Al Qaeda or their pathetic friends, the Taliban, but against the tribes."
"Pak-US operation along Durand Line to expand"
"Waziristan tribals threaten Islamabad"
"Tribals torch border post of Coalition forces"
"Rocket attack on US quarters in tribal belt"
"Is Pakistan heading towards a civil war?"
"Are US troops fighting Al Qaeda?"
Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Sajjad Ali Shad's essay in the daily Dawn gives a thumbnail history of military's involvement in the country's politics.
"How the army was politicized"
Khalid Ahmed reviews reports appearing in Pakistan's Urdu press.
"Second opinion: Much theorising on foreign affairs"
President Pervez Musharraf has stated that he is considering creating a constitutional role for the army in the future political setup. Six pro-government political parties have formed a new alliance to contest general elections in October.
"Musharraf says role of army being considered: Future setup"
"Six pro-govt parties form election alliance"