Waziristan

I still think that Pakistan's decision to back off of Waziristan was done with US ok. I would think it gives this task force a lot more freedom to move without having to deal with diplomatic repercussions. (if the Pakistan military isn't there to tell the US that "No, don't go in there, we'll handle it" then that leaves the US with the ability to make spur of the moment decisions that may not work well diplomatically.)

A special US unit now has the authority to go after Osama bin Laden inside Pakistan without having to seek permission first, according to two US officials. A comprehensive report on the hunt for bin Laden run by the Washington Post on Sunday says that Lieutenant General Stanley A McChrystal, the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) operates on the understanding with Pakistan that U.S. units will not enter Pakistan, except under extreme circumstances, and that Pakistan will deny giving them permission.

With the Pakistani military out of the area.........
Bill Rogio notes that we may be getting close.