Information Operations and FATA Integration into the National Mainstream

• Main Author: Malik, Mohsin Abbas
• Other Authors: Iatrou, Steve
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/17410

This paper analyzes the multifaceted problem of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with a view to suggesting viable options to integrate tribal areas of Pakistan into the national mainstream and a role that can be played by information operations (IO) in achieving this integration. The paper discusses historical background and provides an overview of administrative, judicial, political, and socioeconomic aspects of issues and addresses impact of military operations within the area. The launching of military operations in the FATA after 9/11 became a necessity; their impact is discussed at length to determine remedies and applications of strategies and tools to achieve the smooth integration of the FATA into the national mainstream. In assessing underlying causes, this study suggests that a significant change to the status quo is essential and effective measures must be taken to initiate tribal area integration to safeguard wider national and international interests. The role of IO, i.e., non-kinetic, non-lethal options, to include application of tools and capabilities is analysed with respect to achieving FATA integration into the national mainstream. This research is focused on a more cohesive strategy of integration and future vision of integrating the FATA into the national mainstream by applying modern IO tools.