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| India-Pakistan |
| Leaflets against militants airdropped in Waziristan |
| 2007-10-28 |
| Two different pamphlets urging “foreign guests”, a reference to Al Qaeda and Taliban militants, to leave the tribal areas, and calling on the tribal people to join government forces, were airdropped in North Waziristan on Saturday in what appears to be a campaign to win hearts and minds. Residents said the pamphlets, written in Urdu, were airdropped in Miranshah and Mir Ali. One of them was issued by Pakistani and Saudi clerics while the second pamphlet was issued by “Waziristan’s hosts” (local people). A one-page pamphlet titled “You were my guests” obtained by Daily Times, read, “Please leave my home and my country so that we can live peacefully.” “Because of you [foreign militants], I am in trouble. My house is under attack and family members are dying and wounded because of you,” the pamphlet read. “You [foreign militants] are using my soil and you are spreading unrest in my area and country.” The second pamphlet, containing religious decrees against militancy, said a conspiracy was hatched to start an unending war between the tribal people and security forces, which would harm both sides at the end. “The enemies of Islam and Pakistan will achieve four objectives by making the tribal people and the government forces fight against each other. Their objectives are: to malign Islam and Pakistan, damage the country’s credibility, reduce the strength of tribesmen and the government forces and pit one against the other.” Saudi cleric: The pamphlet also quoted Saudi Mufti-e-Azam Sheikh Abdul Aziz as warning Muslim youths against elements instigating false jihad. The distribution of pamphlets comes days after operation Al Mizan against foreign militants in the Mir Ali area earlier this month in which around 200 militants, including 50 foreigners, were killed besides a number of civilians and troops. Separately, two Frontier Corps personnel were injured late on Friday after a rocket attack on a telephone exchange in Miranshah. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #7 Start the rumor the leaflets are pages from the Koran. Not a bad idea dropping koran leaflets. Keep them busy every waking moment chasing down each scrap. |
| Posted by: ed 2007-10-28 18:06 |
| #6 Yes, RJ, they wipe. Requirement. But I understand there's some dispute, and at least one fatwa says toilet paper is only for infidels. |
| Posted by: James 2007-10-28 17:45 |
| #5 Yup, Barbara. As if leaflets are going to turn the tide against people who strap on bomb vests. I don't recall anybody ever using leaflets to get rid of a rat infestation. Just one more indication of how determined Pakistan is in its fight against homegrown terrorism. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2007-10-28 16:41 |
| #4 Screw leaflets. Drop MOABs. Early and often. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2007-10-28 16:17 |
| #3 Start the rumor the leaflets are pages from the Koran. Hehe! |
| Posted by: Skunky Glins5285 2007-10-28 15:26 |
| #2 Free toilet paper. (For those who wipe) |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2007-10-28 13:28 |
| #1 Goodie. Dropping leaflets on people who can't read and write. That'll help. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2007-10-28 12:27 |