Boot touches on the historical context of the current situation in the areas along the Afghan border, including during the British Raj, when the tribesmen were left to run their affairs and left out of the national life.  Subsequently, “it essentially cut off this area from all political and social development.”

Stressing the importance of extending political activities in the tribal areas, Boot quotes an American newspaper, which noted that the “ban on political activities and parties had created a vacuum that was increasingly exploited by militants and religious extremists, allowing the Taliban and al-Qaeda to tighten their hold on the region.”

In this background, the expert argues that Pakistan “must act to incorporate FATA into mainstream society, providing the kind of educational and political opportunities that would help to wean the inhabitants away from the extremists.”

“Zardari’s announcement is a small step in the right direction. But Pakistan will have to do much more to follow up on some of the progress its troops are making on the ground.”