What are the basics? India is the enemy. Afghanistan is your playground. And the American superpower must be milked, bilked, just the right amount, ta

A great editorial piece over at Dawn. This has been Pakistan's strategy since the War on Terror began, I had begun to hope their were taking a turn for the better but it appears not. From the Pakistani Daily Times Richard Holbrook who at times cannot even get a meeting with members of the Pakistan and Afghan government is trying to get Pakistan to continue to combat the "bad" Taliban. Here is the thing Mr. Ambassador there is no way that the Pak Army is going into N. Waziristan the last time they did they got their butts kicked.

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North Waziristan

U.S. forces have launched 6 drone attacks this week alone including two more last night. Targeting "foreign fighters" and Punjabi Taliban. I hope the Haqqinis are getting the message.

Waiting for after prayers Friday to see what happens.

This week to date

We have launched 4 drone attacks into the FATA of Pakistan killing 23 Taliban and "foreign fighters" including the first cousin of Siraj Haqqini. So far there has not been any retalitory strikes inside of Pakistan. It maybe due to the flooding and the TeT having trouble getting around. More than likely there will be attacks at the end of the week probably Friday after morning Prayers.

Pakistan again

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) today launched a suicide attack against a police station in Kohat today killing 16 including 6 women and four children. Oh the lions of Islam must be proud after this attack. So later in the day they issue a press release admiting to the bombing all well and good this time they even acknowledged they killed civilians which is rare for them. This press release then goes on to say that the group will continue to attack police and military targets and if civilians do not want to be harmed to stay away from them. I just finished "The Most Dangerous Place" by Imtiaz Gul this book covers the Tribal Area of Pakistan a lot more clearly than what you get from Western press. The author goes into detail about the drone attacks and how they are generally accepted by Pakistanis now who have seen they have done some good ie Betulla Meshud.

However this tactic of seperating the populace from the police and military by promising more civilian deaths is very alarming. What governance there is in the FATA and the NWFP could dissipate if people are afraid to interact with security agencies.

Hike

Had a good gear check this weekend.
Packs held up well
Tent was easy to put up the waterproofing I did on the bottow did a fantastic job. I went ahead and did the hole tent including the rain guard.
Cooker was good a little tricky but got it figured out. Mess gear cheap but adequate. The Queen's boots did well.
Sleeping bags were good but we need lighter ones and better sleeping pads.

We think we are going to do another trial run then hit either DD or White Rock.

accessories

Ok I have almost my ideal rifle it is an M16A2 with a scope however I would prefer an A3 or A4 model with a flattop but that is another $350-500 to spend that is a future purpose because then it would mean a different scope as well. What I can do in the mean time is get the accessories I need.
Cleaning kit check
I need a good assault vest I saw some today used for $10.00 with the MOLLE mag pouches for $2.00 a piece.
I need about 15 more magazines not that I can carry 16 but would like to be able to load out at least 8 at a whack.
Also there is the option of a chest rig not the kind I can put a trauma plate in but there are some nice ones out there.
I got good knives, there is however a field M16/A15 repair tool that would be nice to have.

No I am not looking at an M4 because the shorter barrel length degrades the performance of the already whimpy 5.56 round.

Am I missing anything?