">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Poll: Pakistanis view Taliban as threat to country
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Poll: Pakistanis view Taliban as threat to country
By RYAN LUCAS,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, July 2
ISLAMABAD - More than 80 percent of Pakistanis view the Taliban as a critical threat to the country, an opinion poll released Wednesday said, marking a major shift in public support behind the government's campaign against the fundamentalist Muslim militants.
ADVERTISEMENT
The turn in public mood is a boost to the military in its offensive against the insurgency _ a campaign supported by the Obama administration, which believes security in Pakistan is vital to defeating the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan.
Pakistan's army has been battling militants in the Swat Valley in the country's northwest, a campaign that has driven some 2 million civilians from their homes since April. The military has also expanded its campaign in recent weeks to the mountainous tribal regions of North and South Waziristan along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, where top Taliban and al-Qaida leaders are believed to be hiding.
The survey showed that 81 percent of Pakistanis believe the activities of the Taliban and other Muslim extremists were a "critical threat" to the country, up from the 34 percent polled on the same question in September 2007.
Socio-Economic Development Consultants in Islamabad carried out the survey for WorldPublicOpinion.org, questioning 1,000 people across Pakistan from May 17 to 28, 2009. It gave a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.
Despite the refugee crisis triggered by the Swat operation, 68 percent of the poll's respondents expressed confidence in the government's handling of the Swat campaign, and 70 percent said their sympathies lie with the government _ compared to only 5 percent for the Taliban.
A majority of Pakistanis have always opposed Islamist extremists although they have not necessarily viewed them as a threat to the country. Distrust of the United States and anger at the invasion of Afghanistan _ coupled with a widely held view that Islamabad was acting against the militants at the behest of Washington _ has also influenced the debate in the country.
But the military says the shift has made its job easier. Residents in areas affected by offensives have become more cooperative, sharing information on militant positions, army officials have said. And in some spots, such as the Dir region, local tribesmen have launched their own militias to root out insurgents.
Previous army offensives against the militants have faltered, with many people believing the only way to end the bloodshed was for the central government to strike a deal with the extremists.
The government did just that with militants in Swat in February, only for the deal to collapse when the Taliban advanced into the neighboring Buner district in April. The government then sent the army to oust the militants from the region.
The Taliban's violation of that deal _ plus a widely circulated video showing a militant allegedly beating a women in Swat and a surge in suicide attacks around the country over the last year _ have contributed to the shift in public opinion.
The poll said that 78 percent of the respondents support shutting down Taliban bases in Pakistan used in efforts to overthrow the Afghan government, but 81 percent of respondents oppose U.S. missile strikes on such camps.
Washington says the Taliban is using Pakistan's tribal belt as a safe haven for launching attacks on U.S. and other western forces in Afghanistan, and has pushed Islamabad to crack down on the militants.
The U.S. has also fired more than 40 missiles at suspected militant targets in the tribal regions over the last year _ including a strike last week that killed 80 people. The drone attacks have killed many militants but have served as a rallying cry for the insurgents.
WorldPublicOpinion.org is a project involving research centers from around the world that is managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
UN probe into slaying of Bhutto beginsAP - Thursday, July 2
China Web controversy highlights public roleAP - Thursday, July 2
Poll: Pakistanis view Taliban as threat to countryAP - Thursday, July 2
WFP says funding shortfall for NKorea food aidAP - Thursday, July 2
At least 4 die in anti-India protest in KashmirAP - Thursday, July 2
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Jackson funeral plans unclear as will surfaces
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
'Evil' swindler Madoff jailed for 150 years
Hundreds say final farewell to Farrah Fawcett
Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 2 July 2009 Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Iran says 20 killed in post-election turmoil
Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Michael Jackson's Childhood Home May Be Moved To Another Location
Poland eyes Gulf investment hub role
Michael Jackson's Albums Dominates Billboard Charts
Pakistani troops clear Taliban stronghold in Swat
| International
|
Report: Iran's Ahmadinejad cancels Libya visit
Can't Catch The Vibe; Hip-Hop/R&B Magazine Closes Doors
Mexican gangs target outspoken priests in drug war
| International
|
US private sector 'cut 473,000 jobs in June'
Michael Jackson's Home Reportedly Found With Extremely Dangerous Drug
Ethiopia dismisses Somali threat, violence flares
| International
|
Britain's Great Train Robber is refused parole
| International
|
Diana Ross Was Michael Jackson's Second Choice To Act As Guardian For Kids
Recession Causes TV Guide To Cancel Emmy Party
Last Known Michael Jackson Will To Be Filed Wednesday
Antonio Banderas And Melanie Griffith Loses Battle Over Spanish Summer House
Michael Jackson Tribute Show Likely To Feature Family
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
Farrah Fawcett Mourned By 200 Friends And Family Members At Private Funeral
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
UN probe into slaying of Bhutto begins
China Web controversy highlights public role
Poll: Pakistanis view Taliban as threat to country
WFP says funding shortfall for NKorea food aid
State-by-state list of obesity rates, rankings
At least 4 die in anti-India protest in Kashmir
Mississippi's still fattest but Alabama closing in
NASA: Space shuttle fueling test looks successful
Japan's embattled PM Aso names two new ministers
LG says considering additional LCD line
| Technology
|
NJ man on 15th drunken-driving offense: I'm guilty
Thailand, Australia report new swine flu deaths
Washington state farmers sue to stop feedlot plan
U.S. gov't to release $4 billion soon for broadband
| Technology
|
Japan leader carries out minor Cabinet reshuffle
The Nation's weather
Enraged elephant stomps 3 Thai workers to death
Obama to hold another health care town hall
Americans not explicit when defining what sex is
Panel set to rule on Quecreek Mine fines
Shinsei, Aozora announce plan to merge
Nomura to buy NikkoCiti Trust from Citigroup
South Korea's June trade surplus hits record
WRAPUP 1-S.Korean exports, housing prices extend recovery
Airbus kicks off construction on new China plant
Sony struggling as Walkman hits 30th anniversary
Japan's Shinsei and Aozora Banks agree to merge
Actor Karl Malden dies at 97
| Entertainment
|
World Bank lends $50 mln to Pakistan for irrigation
Is Twitter the news outlet for the 21st century?
Digital images of all Rembrandt's work on show
'Best job' Brit lands on Australian paradise island
Fashion designer crashes car into Calif. store
Fans gather for Apollo Theater's Jackson memorial
Mousavi urges Iran vote re-run, backs rights group
US-TECH Summary
U.S. Marines launch major assault in Afghan valley
| International
|
Battle for EU president post commences
Schwarzenegger declares emergency in California
Amnesty says Israel "wantonly" destroyed Gaza
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time
Young survivor of Comoros crash heading to Paris
2010 species pledge set to fail: conservationists
Saddam's weapons bluff aimed at Iran: FBI reports
| International
|
Disney's "Little Mermaid" Broadway Musical To Close
US auto sales appear to stabilize
Honduras rulers reject world pressure to reverse coup
| International
|
Iraq far behind in mine clearance
Sirius XM CEO gets pay hike
Actor Karl Malden Dies At Age 97
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
France's Sarkozy laments 'totally inhuman' job
Gizmodo, Engadget founder launches new gadget site
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
June is deadliest month for Iraqis this year
Bomb kills Iraqi soldier and wounds 10 in Baghdad
| International
|
YouTube doubles video file size to 2G
Iran reformists show fresh defiance against regime
Iran hangs six for murder, two spared: report
| International
|
Jackson Neverland funeral ruled out as will surfaces
Fledgling website hopes to open journalism to all
North Korea seen readying missiles
| International
|
WTO cuts trade forecast, sees rising protectionism
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Gannett cutting 1,400 jobs at local papers
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time
| International
|
Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive
| International
|
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive
Mexican police find 14 bodies in drug war grave
| International
|
$4 billion to be released soon for broadband
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
Microsoft posts modest search gains with Bing
Iraqi Cabinet approves BP's offer on Rumaila
Robots face off on football pitch, in kitchen at RoboCup 2009
Calif. Rep. Waxman hospitalized after fainting
Iraqi politicians of all stripes laud U.S. pullout
Declining Aboriginal conditions 'unacceptable': Rudd
NKorea likely to fire short-range missiles: report
Raising doubts over Hong Kong's feng shui 'masters'
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time
| Technology
|
North Korea seen readying missiles
MySpace, Web servers not liable for assaults: court
| Technology
|
US senators urge Vietnam to release dissident priest
Sirius XM CEO gets pay hike
| Technology
|
Inamoto hopes for another football World Cup chance
U.S. North Korea sanctions team to visit Malaysia
Obama to meet China's Hu at Group of Eight summit
Fledgling website hopes to open journalism to all
| Technology
|
Major military operation under way in Afghanistan
Utah bar crawl to mark end of liquor restrictions
Hussey century rallies Australia against Lions
Correction: Billy Mays obituary
Japan's Uehara out two months with elbow tendon tear
White House: Niger's actions worrisome
Reputed mob boss pleads guilty in Mass. bribe case
US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive
Inouye's office inquired about bank's aid request
Pakistani c.bank to sell T-bills in 2-day repo
NZ commodity export prices rise in June
Two Koreas hold new talks on fate of joint project
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
CORRECTED
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses
New Zealand venture defers plan to import LNG
S.Korea Q3 retailer sentiment at 6-qtr high-survey
Planned S.Korea Q2 FDI increase highest in over a year
Taiwan dollar at 3-wk high on US, China data
S.Korea T-bonds mixed after strong rally
Air New Zealand staff bare all to get flyers' attention
Napoleon died of kidney failure: Danish doctor
Michael Jackson's will sets family trust, funeral sketchy
| Entertainment
|
Nigerians from diaspora heading home to work
David Carradine died of asphyxiation: pathologist
| Entertainment
|
David Carradine died of asphyxiation
Hipster factor poses challenges for movie marketers
| Entertainment
|
Transformers looks unstoppable at box office
| Entertainment
|
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
Neverland could rival Graceland as tour attraction
O'Neal leads mourners at Farrah Fawcett funeral
| Entertainment
|
Fans, news media flock to Jackson's Neverland
Kevin Jonas, of Jonas Brothers, engaged
| Entertainment
|
Plan to bury Michael Jackson at Neverland fizzles
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
| Entertainment
|
Kevin Jonas, of Jonas Brothers, engaged
Anti-terrorist show Wanted to bow in July
| Entertainment
|
Wilco (the article): Chicago band revels in rock
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses
| Entertainment
|
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses
Neverland could rival Graceland as tour attraction
| Entertainment
|
US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive
Italy rail inferno: death toll reaches 18
North Korea ups tension with short-range missiles
| International
|
Amnesty accuses Israel of using human shields in Gaza
ECB keeps key interest steady at record 1.0%
Israel rejects total settlement freeze
Deflation hovers over ECB meeting in Luxembourg
Doomed Air France plane was not destroyed in flight
| International
|
Somalia, Iraq most dangerous for minorities: NGO
Iran hardliners urge legal action against Mousavi
| International
|
India court overturns ban on gay sex
| International
|
Comoros crash survivor reunites with father
| International
|
Amnesty says Israel wantonly destroyed Gaza
| International
|
The Palestinian class of 2009, in their own words
| International
|
Khmer Rouge child survivor weeps for mother
Kiwi airline bares all for safety
Top Australia firefighter criticised over wildfires
Indian court rules gay sex legal
Taser, pepper spray used as Texas pastor arrested
Gamer steals from virtual world to pay real debts
| Technology
|
UN chief Ban warned over risky Myanmar visit
June jobless rate seen rising to 9.6 percent
US officials meet with China on NKorea sanctions
Staten Island Ferry boat's hard docking injures 15
China says Web censor plan to proceed: report
MySpace, Web servers not liable for assaults: court
| Technology
|
Jay Leno wins cybersquatting case
| Technology
|
Japan may deploy troops near disputed islands
Federal agents to join probe into Jackson's death
Web advertisers propose self-regulation principles
| Technology
|
Japan students rush for English-language education
Arms dealer gets 25 years in NYC terror case
UN's Ban to meet Suu Kyi party members: spokesman
Fame, fortune for Web tutors in education-crazy South Korea
| Technology
|
Intel-Nokia tie takes few years to succeed: Barrett
| Technology
|
Guantanamo detainee seeks `black sites' access
Cops zap pastor protesting traffic stop at church
Key Senate Democrats trim cost of health care bill
Taiwan dollar off 3-week high on c.bank moves
China may allow foreign firms to list: govt
Malaysian foreign investment plummets in 2009
China's violin industry aims high
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 11 percent
Seoul shares end flat on earnings caution; Hynix jumps
Indian court rules gay sex legal
China wants diversified global monetary system: govt
Lebanon's struggling fishermen angling for a catch
Christian Slater closes in on role in ABC series
"Transformers" looks unstoppable at box office
Celebrity birthdays for the week of July 5-11
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dead at 97
UK comedy actress Mollie Sugden dies at 86
| Entertainment
|
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood's top-earning actresses
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights