Pakistan: The Coming Offensive in South Waziristan

U.S. defense officials announced Oct. 4 that Pakistan has sufficient forces and equipment in place to launch a ground offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan. This announcement came after Pakistani military officials said Oct. 1 that, after four months of preparations, the military would be ready to begin its campaign in South Waziristan. The time and statements that have led to this moment indicate that considerable military and political effort has gone into devising a strategy and preparing for an offensive in what has become a sanctuary for Islamist militants in Pakistan.