The weeklong siege against militant Islamists holed up in Islamabad's Red Mosque ended Tuesday when security forces stormed it in a fierce battle that left more than 50 militants and eight soldiers dead. If those killed since street battles between security forces and militants began July 3 are included, the death toll tops 80.
Apparently, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's desire to show his determination to stem rising Islamic militancy in his country was behind his decision to let security forces storm the mosque compound, which includes a religious school.
Pakistan has been an ally of the United States since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But Mr. Musharraf has received criticism from the U.S. for not being cooperative enough in "the war on terror." The raid on the mosque was a gamble for Mr. Musharraf, who is also facing political discontent from within his country. His hardline decision against the mosque could incite a series of retaliatory terrorist attacks by Islamic militants.