Journalists` release
IT is heartening to note that two French journalists held hostage by the Afghan Taliban for some 18 months have finally been released, reportedly after the payment of a huge ransom running into millions of dollars.
Welcome as this development undoubtedly is for all concerned about the safety of the abductees, it again raises questions often asked before about cross-border linkages between militants operating in Afghanistan and on this side of the Durand Line.
Consider the fact that the two journalists, Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier, were held captive in Afghanistan but the ransom was paid in Pakistan by as yet unidentified quarters. Though nothing is known for certain at this point, chances are that the transaction may have taken place in the tribal belt or a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa town from where the militants had possibly been assured safe passage once the deal was done. It is understandable that the negotiations were kept secret, for matters could have gone horribly wrong in the event of public disclosure or, in the worst-case scenario, armed action. Be that as it may, and perhaps rightly so because preventing harm to the abductees was of the essence, it seems implausible that negotiations could have come to this pass without the cooperation of at least a few people in positions of authority in Pakistan. In short, while parts of Pakistan`s tribal belt and swathes of Afghanistan come across as lawless and uncontrollable, it also appears that there is a method to the madness. Apparently not every militant is unapproachable for the authorities and deals can be struck if the price is right. Also, is Pakistan considered by the Taliban to be a relatively safe place for conducting `business`?
Terrorist and militant outfits operating under the umbrella of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan have long been suspected of `raising` funds through bank heists and cases of kidnapping for ransom across Pakistan. This is how the Taliban are seemingly supplementing their income at a time when the anti-opium drive in Afghanistan is having a significant effect, even though it may not have crippled the business. New questions need to be asked, and answered.
Source: Dawn
Date:7/3/2011
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