May 6th, 2008 · U.S. government is increasingly concerned about Pakistan's decision to negotiate a peace deal with militants in its tribal areas. The Bush administration cites Pakistan's previous agreements with militants that did not work and allowed al-Qaida and the Taliban to regroup.
May 2nd, 2008 · Pakistani officials are trying to arrange a peace deal with tribal elders in northwest Pakistan. Previous attempts have failed, but there is optimism this time because a Pashtun nationalist party, the ANP, is involved in the negotiations. NPR's Philip Reeves reports from Islamabad.
Mar 26th, 2008 · Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte visits Pakistan on the day the newly-elected prime minister is sworn in to urge Pakistan to keep military pressure on Islamist militants in tribal areas. The new government wants to negotiate and use force only as a last resort.
Mar 12th, 2008 · Five Makah Indians are facing charges of illegally killing a gray whale in the waters off Washington state. The tribe has been waiting years for a government permit to hunt. The tribal government has expressed disapproval, but some see the move as civil disobedience.
Feb 29th, 2008 · Iraq's hard-won security gains are under threat, according to Sunni tribal leaders who led the so-called "awakening movement" against insurgents. Sheikhs from the volatile Anbar province say they see no reason to keep fighting al-Qaida in Iraq if their people are going to be denied political rewards and economic development.
Feb 7th, 2008 · Afghan President Hamid Karzai and U.S. officials believe the Afghan army and national police force should be responsible for stemming growing insecurity. But in eastern Afghanistan, tribal elders and local leaders claim the groups are not up to the task.
Feb 6th, 2008 · Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday that new attacks in the United States and Europe could be launched from al-Qaida sanctuaries in the mountainous region of Pakistan on the Afghanistan border. A key figure there is Baitullah Mehsud, who emerged from obscurity to become a major Taliban commander and an al-Qaida ally.
Feb 4th, 2008 · A violent pro-Taliban movement continues to build strength and create chaos in Pakistan -- with help from al-Qaida. The movement is pushing its way from tribal areas to Pakistan's teeming cities.