MUST READ: Why They Do It

I just came across this extremely enlightening post on the New Yorker's Think Tank blog, written by Steve Coll. Steve spent time with senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (the group allegedly responsible for last week's attacks in Mumbai) officials, and even took a tour with their charity arm, Jamat-ud-Dawa. Charity arm of a terrorist group?? Yep, that's right, and they're not just providing free arms training, either. According to Steve, Jamat sets up hospitals, schools and provides earthquake relief in the most remote regions of Pakistan. The Pakistani government, though they denounce LeT, support Jamat. The US government says Jamat is just a front for LeT. That may be the case, but Jamat is still the one delivering aid to Pakistan's most needy. 

So, based on this information where can we assume the loyalty of these needy folks lies? I don't claim to be an expert here, but Coll's post brings to mind one of Marlon Brando's most famous lines from The Godfather, "One day I may call upon you to do a service for me..."

READ: Steve Coll's post at the New Yorker blog Think Tank.

Thoughts?

-S