The Perennial Problem with the 'War on Terror' in Pakistan
THE CLAIM: The AP report details a suicide bombing in a Shiite mosque, resulting in 31 deaths and 169 injuries, attributing it to a 'surge in militant attacks' by groups like the TTP or ISIS, despite no immediate claim of responsibility. It positions Pakistan's government as 'Western-allied' and struggling to contain this violence. THE EVIDENCE: Casualty Figures: 31 killed, 169 wounded in the
February 2026 attack. Official Denials: No group claimed responsibility, yet a familiar list of perpetrators (Pakistani Taliban, Islamic State) is immediately invoked. This replicates a pattern seen after countless previous attacks where culpability is often presumed before evidence, allowing for broad policy responses. US Funding: Since 2002, the U.S. has provided over $33 billion in aid to
Pakistan, much of it military assistance, specifically aimed at counter-terrorism efforts (Council on Foreign Relations, 2021). Despite this, the 'surge' continues. Geographical Context: Islamabad has historically been subject to fewer attacks compared to regions like Balochistan or the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), making this incident notable for its location. THE CONTRADICTIONS:
The framing of a 'Western-allied government' struggling implicitly suggests a partner in a common fight against extremism. However, this narrative overlooks the complex and often contradictory history of alliances in the region. The Pakistani establishment has a long record of tactical engagements with various Islamist groups, some of which were later labeled 'militants' depending on geopolitical