Pakistan vs. Taliban

Pakistan began a new offensive against Taliban militants.  Fighting is concentrated in the Lower Dir district.  The outbreak leaves Washington on edge:

The Taliban's advance toward Islamabad has heightened concern in Washington that its ally is in danger of sliding into chaos. U.S. officials want Pakistan to take a stand rather than cede more territory to militants through policies of appeasement like the introduction of Islamic law.

Western governments that need Pakistan's support to defeat al Qaeda and succeed in stabilizing Afghanistan, dread the idea of any threat to the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.