from truthnews: The US is considering a plan to create gangs of mercenaries from local population in the border areas of Pakistan to fight al-Qaida & the Taliban, emulating its tactics in Iraq's Anbar province.The plan would involve increasing the number of US trainers in Pakistan by dozens from the current number of around 50, and the direct financing of a separate tribal "paramilitary force" that has so far proved largely ineffective. Washington would also pay militias that agreed to fight al-Qaida and foreign "extremists".
The plan, leaked to the New York Times, comes amid increasing concern over gains made by Islamic rebels in the region of Swat, near the Afghan border. In recent weeks, major battles have left many Pakistani soldiers, rebels and civilians dead.