Swat Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said, "Taliban have declared a unilateral ceasefire for 10 days as a goodwill gesture. Our fighters will not attack security personnel and government installations." However, he added that the militants would hold their positions and defend themselves if attacked. The deal has drawn much criticism both at home and abroad. So what lies behind the deal? Will it bring lasting peace to Swat?

Initially it accused the Lashkar-e-Tayyibah group or accuses the Pakistani intelligence of training the attackers. But then the threats and warnings subsided and the Indian parliament discussed (on 17th December, 2008) tightening laws to prevent terrorism. Then threats and war hysteria is whipped up and Pakistani airspace is violated...All this demonstrates the prevailing confusion in the Indian government preventing a firm decision. What is the reality? Why is the Indian…

Does this mean that they will initiate contacts with the Taliban or that they are already in touch? Where will these contacts lead to? Would it result in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an end to America's hold there and the Taliban's return to power? Or whether it implies that the Taliban will gradually share power either directly or indirectly and become loyal to the US?

It has been announced today the Asif Ali Zardari will take of oath of office today as President of Pakistan. Does this imply that Zardari is even keener top serve the US interests than Prime Minister Gilani?  What is the truth behind the quartet summit in Damascus?