NWFP/FATA. Click map to view.

Carin Zissis of the Council on Foreign Relations has written an overview of The Tribal Areas of Pakistan that is well worth a read. The article is an excellent primer on the history and politics of the region, Pakistan's governance of the tribal areas, and the role of Islamist extremism. Ms. Zissis interviewed me for the article and I am quoted several times throughout the piece.

One note: I suggested Pakistan needs to learn to fight the Taliban and al Qaeda insurgency 'smarter' and include economic and political benefits to support the pro-government elements in the tribal regions. The current Pakistani strategy of disengagement via the Waziristan Accord has only exposed the pro-government / anti-Taliban tribals to the predations of the Taliban and al Qaeda. The Pakistani government must find a way to provide for the security of these leaders.