Many, Many Steps Backwards

This is and will be a huge step backward for all involved, but especially for women.

Where is the outcry?

Allowing the Taliban even a small foothold will be a monumental mistake.

clipped from www.cnn.com Pakistani government does deal with Taliban on sharia law Story Highlights Pakistani Taliban's interpretation of sharia includes banning girls from school Deal with the Taliban comes after a visit by U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke Taliban: 10-day cease-fire in Swat Valley is good-will gesture towards government Critics warn that previous dealings with the Taliban have allowed it to regroup Next Article in World » It marks a major concession by the Pakistani government in its attempt to hold off Taliban militants who have terrorized the region with beheadings, kidnappings, and the destruction of girls' schools. Sharia is defined as Islamic law but is interpreted with wide differences depending on the various sects of both Sunni and Shia Islam. He said the government's decision amounts to a marriage of convenience made under duress. Pakistan's military operation in the region is unpopular among Pakistanis, but efforts to deal diplomatically with militants have not worked in the past.