Bush backs Pak-Taliban deal

[rodeodance]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1971329.cms

Bush backs Pak-Taliban deal
Chidanand Rajghatta
8 Sep, 2006 2329hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK

WASHINGTON: US president Bush on Thursday cautiously endorsed a truce between Gen Musharraf and pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan even as terrorist violence soared in Afghanistan and Al Qaida sent a sharp reminder of 9/11 with a video message ahead of the anniversary.

Bush said in an interview that he did not think the controversial amnesty deal between the Pakistani military and pro-Taliban elements in Waziristan gave a safe haven to terrorists, but added "we are watching this very carefully, obviously".

"I don't read it that way" Bush said when asked about the truce, which many analysts are reading as a retreat by Musharraf's army and ceding of both territory and responsibility by Pakistan.

"What he is doing is entering agreements with governors in the regions of the country, in the hopes that there would be an economic vitality, there will be alternatives to violence and terror."..........
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[Kagemusha]

1. Dumb headline writer. The deal's not with the Taliban itself.

Although perhaps it might as well be with the Taliban, it's not...