How real is the Taliban threat to India?

THE Taliban are Pashtun, or Pathan, and comprise 20 per cent of Pakistan's population.

Last week, Pakistan's National Assembly passed a law surrendering the district of Swat, a beautiful place of mountains and lakes, to a group called Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi. The name means the movement to enforce Muhammad's laws. On Monday, Pakistan's politicians told the world that the surrender of Swat, where Shariah law is now in force, would end the Taliban's demands.

On Tuesday, the Taliban rolled into Buner, the next district, 100 kms from Islamabad. The world holds its breath: could the Talibs take over Pakistan?

They already have.