The news stories from Pakistan have been bad across the board for quite some time now. Recent days have seen the TTP-led forces within 70 km of Islamabad, “peace” deals in Swat and a rising tide of attacks on major cities. However, all is not lost for the Pakistan Army. In fact, all was never lost; it has been a carefully planned strategic move on the part of General Kayani.

Pakistan Army offensives have thus far been successful, and are likely to cut off Swat from TTP reinforcements from the South. Bajaur-Malakand-Buner axis would leave the Pakistani Taliban in Swat dissected from their friends in Mohmand Agency. The Swat Valley has very few exits and is accessible mainly from the South and North, with limited access to Shangla to the East and Dir to the West. All of which can theoretically be closed by the Pakistan Army.

The TTP have underestimated the Pakistan Army and overestimated their position and moved towards more conventional ground holding operations over classic guerrilla too quickly. They are likely to pay the price in blood, and complete loss of their northern flank. The only silver lining for the TTP will be the use of massive American weaponry including borrowed choppers that are likely to be used in such an operation. This would equate the Pakistan Army=stooges of America.

The Pakistani game plan has been masterminded by General Kayani, who is now emerging as a seasoned chess-player and a veritable Pakistani Putin. He has deftly fixed the political crisis without directly interfering in the affairs of the state. “The Kayani Model”, a term coined by former Chief of Army Staff Jehangir Karamat, represents a new framework for the Pakistan Army. As Karamat puts it, – “invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence”.

In a parallel development, a new consensus appears to be emerging, that can be called the “Zaid Hamid Consensus” that charts out a broad policy of independence from the US and an Islamic state in the philosophical lineage of Allama Iqbal rather than a Taliban/Salafi style interpretation. This consensus, if it can gain critical mass, could prove to be an antidote to both foreign designs against the country as well as the internal threat of the Salafists and terrorists.

The Americans are also in the game. The American game plan is represented by a rehash of the “Sunni Awakening” strategy in Iraq under the brand name of “Sunni Tahreek” a so-called Deobandi outfit. This is perhaps the biggest danger for Pakistan, as it will in the long-term move the battle from far flung and remote areas to the city centers of the country in a rehash of Iraq post US conquest, with the violence, militias and terror that it accompanied. With the political government’s cooperation and US funding, this could easily turn very nasty.

In today’s economy, more people are beginning to take a closer look at the benefits of joining the Army. Great training, outstanding benefits and steady work make the Army a smart choice many Americans

Careers in Information Technology

Nothing is hotter right now than Information Technology and Computer System Analysis. And there is no place to get better training in these areas than the service. What other opportunity is available to get paid while you learn, then walk into a career with unlimited potential?

It is certainly possible to get a good education in Information Technology in a civilian college, but you won’t get the hands on application opportunities and true work experience you can find in the Army. By serving, you enjoy GI benefits — meaning you won’t be starting your career in debt with massive school loans.

Cutting Edge Technology

People in the Army are always working with the most up to date technological and computer equipment, and frequently set up networks and undertake complicated trouble-shooting. You will gain experience in the Army National Guard that would take you years to achieve in a civilian position. Civilian companies love Army National Guard veterans because they know these professionals have received the best training possible, and they know what hard work and dedication mean.

Networking is second nature to Army veterans who have worked in systems analysis or other areas of information technology in the service. You can almost do it in your sleep. And the pressure of work deadlines is nothing to the skilled men and women with Army National Guard service behind them. You will learn how to stay focused on the job and work at your optimal performance no matter what’s going on around you with Army training under your belt.

Companies know the prize they’re getting when they hire former Army recruits. There’s no worry about choosing someone with a poor work ethic or someone who is difficult to supervise. After time working as part of a skilled team with respect for authority and everyone’s individual responsibility you’re an employee to rely on. You’re the first person to come to mind when an advancement opportunity is available because as an Army National Guard veteran you’re a known commodity and a proven leader.