Despite the vigorous short-term success of the campaign in the tribal areas, Pakistan's crisis has not dissipated. A shot across the bows was provided by the new American aid bill, as a focal point for dissatisfaction with dependency upon the USA. Now this pervasive opposition is spreading throughout society.
The country is swamped by theories of paranoia, 'stab in the back' and conspiracies. Instead of seeking internal solutions for the instability and low intensity conflict that has disfigured their country, Pakistan blames external enemies. Understandable from a past history of defeat and schism, yet vulnerable to political upheaval and constitutional betrayal.
Political disruption and a lack of legitimacy are long-term problems that provide a conduit for a process of Islamification and revolutionary change, driven from the bottom up and co-opted by factions within the elites. The Taliban did not prove to be the useful disruptor and have therefore been attacked, as a reminder that jihadists are useful pawns, not allies.