Musharraf, for whatever reason, seems to have written off western Pakistan. I have been following this unfortunate trend for some time, including a series of "peace treaties" with groups in this area (this story is typical.)

The results were predictable: al Qaeda and the Taliban have putting down solid roots there, and spreading their influence. Attacks across the eastern border of Afghanistan are increasing, as are actual terrorist attacks in other areas of Pakistan.

More details here (click individual links in the article for the rest).

Al Qaeda and the Taliban are rebuilding what they had in Afghanistan, except in Pakistan's western provinces.

I have no idea what Musharraf thinks he is doing, and aside from intensive political pressure, which believe me, the U.S. and others have been putting on Musharraf, there is really not one damn thing we can do about it.

Note this:

If we had two million troops in Afghanistan, and Saddam was still running Iraq, there would STILL be not one damn thing we could do about this, unless you think major sanctions or an attack on a nuclear-armed Muslim nation is a swell idea, and I can't think of anyone who does. Musharraf is holding power by a thread, and it wouldn't take much to break it.

A lot of people are open for suggestions on this lousy situation. Pakistan has always been a very weak point in the war on terror, with just one assassination between the current shaky status quo, and the possibility of an Islamic regime taking over. Maybe Musharraf thinks he's buying personal immunity. If so, he's deluded.