Back-to-back, Pakistan attacks. [1] Another Friend and Ally Update. The irony is that such drones can help prevent another [2] Marriott-like attack: if al-Qaeda supporting "tribesmen" shot at it (which is at least logical), what is the Pakistani government's logic?

"Pakistanis say suspected US drone shot down," from [3] AP, September 23 (thanks to Jeffrey Imm):

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistani troops and tribesman shot down a suspected U.S. military drone close to the Afghan border Tuesday, three intelligence officials said.

If verified, it apparently would be the first pilotless aircraft brought down over Pakistan and the incident likely would add to tensions between Washington and Islamabad over a spate of recent American cross-border incursions in the lawless tribal regions.

The officials said the unmanned aircraft was shot down late Tuesday in the village of Jalal Khel in South Waziristan after circling over the area for several hours. Its wreckage was strewn on the ground, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.