Senior military commanders in Afghanistan are discussing expanding U.S. Special Operations raids into tribal areas over the Pakistani border. Officials feel that Pakistan has not done enough to rid the area of insurgents, and with the first stages of troop withdrawal approaching, hope to make progress while they still can. There is a belief that more routine incursions into the country will provide the military with much-needed intelligence. The greatest risk of the plan, which would have to be approved by President Obama, is that it could further anger the Pakistani government and might be viewed back home as the opening of a new front in an extremely unpopular war. Up until now, fear of backlash has limited activity in the country, with the exception of C.I.A.-operated drones. [NYT]
