Obama to hold talks on Taliban as deal unravels

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/05/pakistan.taliban/?iref=mpstoryview


Obama to hold talks on Taliban as deal unravels

Civilians were ordered to evacuate from areas of the Swat Valley, while preparing to launch a offensive against the Taliban. For weeks, Pakistani troops have been fighting the Taliban troops. The United Nations estimates more then 50,000 civilians have fled the fighting in Buner. The Pakistani government is said to put a ban on the use of motorcycles, while Taliban fighters often travel around the region on motorcycles. Pakistan's assault began after Taliban militants seized territory in violation of a deal, criticized by the United States, that allowed the Taliban to implement Islamic law, or sharia, in exchange for an end to fighting. The Pakistani gov't is being criticized by the Taliban because of the lack of rule and laws on the border of Afghanistan. Pakistan has asked the United States to supply its forces with helicopters, communication equipment and night-vision technology as part of a U.S. plan to beef up the country's counter terrorism efforts. Obama said to CNN reporters that he is greatly concerned for the Pakistani community and the situation.