Established in 2007 following the Red Mosque siege, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistani Taliban, is now a prominent actor in that country's politics. It is a diverse umbrella group uniting some 30 militant groups across the Kyber-Pasktunskwa and other tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. It is estimated that there are some 30,000 TTP operatives. Each of these groups aims to establish local spheres of Sharia law, impose a particular restrictive vision of Islamic living, and resist federal governance in the region. They also collectively condemn Pakistani support for the United States in the "war against terror." It is worth remembering that the TTP movement initially enjoyed some local support in the region before their violent methods began to alienate the population.
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Taliban condemn Pakistani support for the United States
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TTP movement initially enjoyed some local support in restive region bordering Afghanistan
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Taliban violence has increased as the new leadership seeks to assert its authority
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Pakistan must defend its vibrant tradition of public politics and plurality, says analyst
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