It is now confirmed to the great relief of Rawalpindi that yet another bad Taliban – the Radio Mullah has been sent packing by the American drones.
The elimination took place in Kunar Province of Afghanistan where Mullah Fazlullah had been hiding ever since he fled Swat to escape the Army Operations launched after he turned against the Pakistani state.
Understandably, the ‘enthralling’ news of taking out of the Butcher of Swat was taken with scepticism initially when media broke the news quoting Afghan intelligence sources.
But, its confirmation by no less than the Afghan President Ghani himself has put at rest the doubts as he telephoned the Prime Minister and Army Chief of Pakistan to “share” the news.
As if setting to rest any lingering doubts, the TTP has confirmed the killing of their chief and announced the appointed Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud as his successor.
Mufti Noor may be more vicious and ruthless than Fazlullah. Significantly, all his three predecessors, the founder Baitullah Mehsud including were killed by American drones.
Whether the Americans single handedly carried out these killings or had some inside help from Pakistani establishment is a moot point.
Going by track record, Pakistan could have shared the Intel inputs on Fazlullah’s movements with the US and thus hastened his assassination, while keeping intact all its levers of deniability.
Whatever it may be, as many Pakistani commentators aver, the new developments has created a new ground swell for a sensible strategy for cooperation between Kabul and Rawalpindi with Washington providing necessary props.
Peace is the need of the day in Afghanistan after 17-long years of war against terrorism.
But, will Pakistan play the game according to rules, or will continue to indulge in its eternal quest of strategic depth beyond the Durand Line.
If past is any guide, Pakistan will be loath to change, and this is bound to make the joy over the assassination of Mullah Fazlullah a temporary phase.

– by M Rama Rao