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Many of the factors that led to uprisings in the Arab world also exist in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But guest columnist Ahmed Rashid says the Taliban, who have escalated violence to unprecedented levels, would harness any revolt in this unstable region.
In the past six weeks, more than 200 Afghan civilians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in a series of brutal suicide bombings, gun battles and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks across the country.
Many of the most bloody attacks have taken place in urban areas considered secure by the government and Nato forces.
Part of the reason for such attacks is as retaliation against US Special Forces, who have been launching up to 20 attacks night and day in the winter months on Taliban leaders and their logistical networks, killing or capturing hundreds of fighters.
Afghan and Pakistani Taliban are also being regularly killed in Pakistan through the use of drone missiles.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12664486
In the past six weeks, more than 200 Afghan civilians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in a series of brutal suicide bombings, gun battles and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks across the country.
Many of the most bloody attacks have taken place in urban areas considered secure by the government and Nato forces.
Part of the reason for such attacks is as retaliation against US Special Forces, who have been launching up to 20 attacks night and day in the winter months on Taliban leaders and their logistical networks, killing or capturing hundreds of fighters.
Afghan and Pakistani Taliban are also being regularly killed in Pakistan through the use of drone missiles.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12664486