A string of sectarian attacks and arrests over the last month demonstrate Pakistan's continuing battle to eradicate Sunni-Shiite violence is far from over, despite Pakistani authorities' repeated calls for unity and public actions against militant groups over the last six years. Observers worry that Sunni-Shiite violence across Iraq is feeding into Pakistan's decades-long sectarian conflict, threatening the South Asian nation's already-troubled efforts to contain militant groups. Homegrown violence only adds to Pakistan's already significant worries over continued conflict in neighboring Afghanistan, persistent Taliban and al-Qaida presence in Pakistan, and widespread discontent with President Pervez Musharraf's rule. "Each attack, small or large, proves . . . that the government is essentially failing in its efforts," says Pakistan-based defense analyst Mohammed Bokhari. "There is a lot of work yet to be done to combat terrorism."
Wave of Attacks Shows Pakistan’s Struggle With Sectarian Strife Continues
