The endless battle

The Taliban’s recent attack on a Pakistani military base points to a long road ahead

Soldiers help emergency workers wheel an injured man to a hospital after an attack on an air force base in Peshawar, Pakistan. Khuram Parvez / Reuters

Friday’s brazen attack on a Pakistani air force base near Peshawar is a gruesome reminder of the reach of the Taliban. The attack – which claimed at least 30 lives, including 16 people who had been attending Friday prayers in a mosque – delivers a blow to Pakistan’s military, which had stepped up operations against the Taliban following last December’s deadly raid on an army-run school in Peshawar. Thirteen militants were also killed during Friday’s raids.

The attack has poured cold water on the military’s claims that the Taliban’s insurgency is under control and underscored the ability of the militants to stage spectacular attacks, regardless of whether the target is military, government or civilian.

While it is clear military operations must continue to curb the Taliban’s reach, a big part of the solution will be found in the realm of politics. Pakistan is still deprived of a political establishment adept at handling the social issues that feed support for extremist groups. Until these issues are addressed, extremist groups such as the Taliban will continue to find support.