Intelligence and security — perspectives from Pakistan. (13th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gosling, David L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intelligence and terrorism studies. Volume 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-06-13
• Subjects: education -- Pakistan -- intelligence -- ISI -- Osama bin Laden -- Taliban; Intelligence service -- Periodicals; Terrorism -- Periodicals; International relations and terrorism -- Periodicals; 327.1
• DOI: 10.22261/OT7XNC
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-6131

Abstract

Abstract: During the period 2006-2010, the author was based at a higher education institution in Peshawar close to the Afghan border. From this position, he was able to observe (and sometimes directly participate in) and evaluate the wider political events which shaped the drastic deterioration of security in the region. Although this has improved to some extent recently, the security situation was at its worst from 2007 until the end of the author's tenure, during which time Peshawar was in the eye of a storm of bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. To understand these events fully – and therefore to suggest appropriate responses and long-term solutions – it is essential to appreciate the historical factors that shaped the timing and character of the unrest and other relevant factors such as the role of the intelligence agencies. Of these, the most important were the consequences of Soviet intervention in Afghanistan in 1979 and the growth of the Taliban following their withdrawal 10 years later. Much of what follows in the latter part of this article is anecdotal, but may nonetheless be helpful to those attempting to get beneath the surface of much that is published in the media about events in the Pak-Afghan region.