The political context for this conflict has been brought rather brutally to public attention by David Cameron in another speech during his international travels when he pointed out that there has been collusion between elements in the Pakistani military and intelligence and the Taliban. That plain speaking, about the ability of parts of Pakistan’s elite to look two ways in engaging with terrorism, has already resulted in the cancellation of the visit to Britain of the head of Pakistani intelligence services. We may deplore the Prime Minister’s astonishing tactlessness in making these comments in India – and it is this that has caused most indignation in Pakistan – and we may equally deplore his failure to acknowledge that Pakistan has suffered more in casualties from the fight against extremism and against al-Qa’ida, than almost any other player in this conflict. Nonetheless, Mr Cameron did speak openly about a reality that is normally only voiced among experts and diplomats.

Leading article: An unwinnable war – Leading Articles, Opinion – The Independent