US considering 'Anbar model' for FATA

Islamabad, May 11: Concerned about the possible resurgence of militancy and extremism in Pakistan's Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the Bush Administration is reported to have suggested to Islamabad to implement the 'Anbar model' i.e. to train local communities in the use of arms to counter al Qaeda and Taliban-linked militants.

The proposal is gaining ground, as the architect of the model, incoming US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General David Petraeus, successfully implemented it in the Iraqi province of Anbar when he was the commander of the coalition forces in Iraq. Under the initiative, General Petraeus armed a brigade of young Sunni men and provided them with a monthly stipend of 300 dollars to ensure security in Anbar province. Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told the Daily Times that there is nothing formal about the proposal as yet.

However, former FATA security chief Brigadier (retired) Mehmood Shah said money and favours "work in the Tribal Areas". He said the model should be implemented by Pakistan itself, and not the U.S.

ANI