“The escalation in violence raised new doubt about the government’s controversial policy of negotiating for peace with Islamic militants.” Uh huh.
“Taliban claims bombing in Pakistan; up to 14 dead,” by Riaz Khan for the Associated Press, August 12 (thanks to JE):
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A roadside bomb destroyed an air force truck on a bridge Tuesday in Pakistan’s volatile northwest and killed up to 14 people. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it “an open war” and retaliation for recent military operations in the region.
The escalation in violence raised new doubt about the government’s controversial policy of negotiating for peace with Islamic militants. Western officials say it has given Taliban and al-Qaida time to regroup and more freedom to operate. […]
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar said the attack in Peshawar was retaliation for recent military operations in the border region near Afghanistan. “It is an open war between us and them,” he told The Associated Press.
“We have done it in reaction to the government operations in Swat and Bajur,” Umar said. “If this kind of operations continue against us in Swat and in the tribal areas, we will continue this.”…