Al-Qaeda on the offensive against Afghan peace bid

Al-Qaeda is reported to be already on the offensive against any move by the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan to come to an understanding on neutralising militant and insurgent activity in the border areas of the two countries.

Karachi, Sept.13 : Al-Qaeda is reported to be already on the offensive against any move by the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan to come to an understanding on neutralising militant and insurgent activity in the border areas of the two countries.

Osama bin Laden's appearance in a 47-minute video on September 11 this year is a powerful reminder that al-Qaeda is still the leader in the global resistance.

And according to the Asia Times, one can expect a "surge" in al-Qaeda's activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan in an effort to justify this tag and reclaim the resistance movements.

The surge is inevitable in the wake of Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi saying that the renegade group is ready to talk to Kabul "For the sake of national interests."

Tribal elders and clerics in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province are now active in canvassing for a jirga (tribal meeting) that would include the Taliban. These endeavours are backed by both Pakistan and the United States.

the results of such jirgas is likely to have a telling effect on the Taliban's relations with al-Qaeda.

Despite optimism in Washington and Islamabad over the latest peace moves, there will be no let-up on the part of coalition troops in Afghanistan, as they are committed to applying maximum pressure on the Taliban, reports the Asia Times.

Operations have already been increased in the south- western provinces of Kandahar and Helmand.

ANI