The forgotten war on terror

Pakistan's "peace agreement" with the tribal areas is allowing the Taleban and foreign fighters safe haven. It's also serving as a breeding ground as the various Islamic groups mix and reinforce.

The tightening web of alliances among these groups in a remote, mountainous area increasingly beyond state authority is potentially disastrous for efforts to combat terrorism as far away as Europe and the United States, intelligence officials warn.

They and western diplomats say it also portends an even bloodier year for Afghanistan in 2007, with the winter expected to serve as what one official described as a “breeding season” to multiply ranks.

And Bin Laden and Al Qaeda drift further and further away.