THE DIPLOMATIC TIMES REVIEW

Germany's Black Citizens

Recommended: Hannah Pilarcyzk's October 21, 2009, post in Spiegel Online International headlined "Journalist Goes Undercover to Discover Life as a Black Man in Germany." Also see "The Difficult Identities of Post-War Black Children of GIs." I found both articles fascinating.

Is Pakistan's War in Waziristan the Brainchild of General Stanley McChrystal?

Syed Saleem Shahzad, Asia Times Online's Pakistan Bureau Chief whose reporting and analysis is comparable to that of the esteemed Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid, has an excellent analysis of the political and military situation in Pakistan and how it is directly linked to the U.S. and NATO war in Afghanistan.  Writes  Mr. Shahzad in an October 23, 2009, post:

The Massive Pakistani military operation currently underway against militants in the South Waziristan tribal area is the brainchild of General Stanley McChrystal, the top United States commander in Afghanistan. The aim is to spread the Taliban-led Afghan insurgency into Pakistan. This, it is reasoned, will make it easier to deal with the insurgency in Afghanistan with a blend of military operations and political deals. This draws Pakistan, already mired in political and economic crises, into an ever-deepening quagmire.

Mr. Shahzad said, "The country has become a playing field for operators of all shades. These include Iranian Balochi insurgents, over a dozen Pakistani militant groups linked with the Taliban or al-Qaeda, the US Central Intelligence Agency's network, security contractors associated with the American establishment, and last but not the least, agent provocateurs.:

Conclusion: "Pakistan, one of the booming economies of Asia just two years ago, seriously risks becoming a failed state." To read more of Mr. Shahzad's provocative analysis, which I highly recommend, please see "Where Pakistan's Militants go to Ground."

Who is Right?

ALJAZEERA.NET reported October 23, 2009, that "Nato (is) wary over Afghan commitment." On the otherhand, The New York Times reported October 23, 2009, that "NATO Defense Ministers Endorse Wider Afghan Effort."  Who is right?