The annals of history are replete with lessons that, if heeded, can guide nations away from perilous paths. One such lesson comes from the era of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, whose policy of appeasement failed to prevent war despite the UK’s concessions to Germany.

Drawing parallels, Pakistan’s policymakers find themselves at a crossroads in dealing with the Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Their strategy, seemingly rooted in hope and assumptions, echoes Chamberlain’s misguided faith in negotiations. As a new government seeks to implement structural economic reforms and stabilize the political landscape, the escalating TTP attacks call for a robust response against terrorism. Pakistan risks unleashing a greater threat if it continues its negotiation-centric approach with TTP.

The TTP shares both cultural and ideological ties with the Afghan Taliban. The latter’s reluctance to completely eradicate TTP from Afghan soil aligns with their strategic interests. For the Afghan Taliban, severing ties with TTP would mean distancing themselves from a part of their identity. Moreover, supporting TTP helps them maintain a strategic advantage, keeping the Islamic State of Khorasan (IS-K) in check.........

© Eurasia Review