Rogue areas in a semi-rogue country

The notorious border areas on Afghan border in Pakistan have again earned further notoriety by providing haven to the fugitive Al-Qaeda’s leadership. These areas are known as Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan. Even the Britishers during the Raj did not include these areas and Kashmir under their domain. Damadola, the site of air strike by the U.S. without taking Pakistan into confidence, falls on the one end of these areas. In that operation, at least four top Al-Qaeda’s leaders were killed. These areas are inhabitated by Pathans and Pashtoons. An extraordinary book named The Pathans has been penned by Sir Olaf Caroe who served the areas for a long period. The book is a must read for anyone, interested in the treacherous areas. Interestingly, Osama bin Laden and his accomplices, on the run for the past four years, are believed to be hiding in this picturesque land but their pursuers have not been able to capture the most dreaded terrorist in the world dead or alive.