Why's Waziristan In The News?
US believes Al Qaeda leaders are hiding in the mountainous area of North and South Waziristan, two of seven agencies comprising Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) bordering Afghanistan.
Is Al Qaeda the only problem there?
No, Taliban militiamen carry out attacks in Afghanistan and escape to Waziristan, where they're protected by tribes alienated from the Pakistan government.
Why this alienation?
To carry out search operations for Al Qaeda activists after the US invasion of Afghanistan, the Pakistan army moved into the Khyber Agency in July 2002 for the first time since 1947, then into North and South Waziristan. This provoked local tribes to resist what they felt was an encroachment on their freedom. Backing them are Al Qaeda and pro-Taliban forces.
Is the US involved in the fighting?
Yes, it intermittently launches precision strikes from its formidable drones.
