Pakistani Taliban Leader Dead Or Dying?

Baitullah Mehsud Very Ill, Officials Say Group Scrambling For New Leaders, Taliban Says He's Getting Better

(CBS)  The leader of Pakistan's increasingly bold Taliban movement is very ill, but intelligence officials in the United States and Pakistan have cast doubt on reports that Baitullah Mehsud may have died.

Mehsud is only in his mid to late thirties, but is believed to suffer from multiple health issues, including diabetes and kidney problems.

One of Mehsud's subcommanders told CBS News' Sami Yousafzai he'd met with the powerful militant leader on Tuesday night and that his blood sugar level was improving, and with it, his general health.

Just hours after unconfirmed reports of his death surfaced late on Tuesday, a senior Pakistani security official told CBS News' Farhan Bokhari the Taliban branch inside his country was "scrambling to appoint two new deputies in a possible preparation for a succession."

"Unless someone produces a body, I can't confirm Baitullah Mehsud's death. But we are witnessing intelligence reports along the lines of the Taliban scrambling to appoint two new deputies," said a senior Pakistani security official. "Is this the Taliban preparation for a succession? That is the question we are asking but there are no answers as yet."

Mehsud's death was reported overnight by the privately owned GEO TV channel and pan-Arab satellite news channel Al Jazeera, citing unnamed security sources in Pakistan.

Wednesday, a senior Arab diplomat in Pakistan with access to intelligence information told Bokhari "we are no now hearing reports that he is ill but still alive."

The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the earlier reports of Mehsud's death "may well have been premature."

A U.S. official told CBS News correspondent Bob Orr that Mehsud is known to have significant health problems, including diabetes, but confirmation of his death would come only when his body could be produced.

While the Taliban denies the reports of Mehsud's death, they do not argue that the leader's health is in a desperate state. Yousafzai reports Mehsud has been seriously ill for weeks, unable to carry out most of his regular duties as commander of the Islamic extremist movement.

Sources inside the group say a doctor who recently visited Mehsud advised him not to meet with other people, as his mental health was also deteriorating.

If Mehsud has died, or does soon, Bokhari reports his absence would mark a significant symbolic setback to the Taliban on the heels of a tactical defeat near Paksitan's border with Afghanistan.

After days of bloody clashes, the Pakistani military has declared success in an operation to rid the Bajur region of Taliban fighters.

However, opinion is divided on how much Mehsud's death would disrupt the Taliban, which has become increasingly bold in carrying out attacks on Pakistan's civil and military targets since the country's former ruler, Pervez Musharraf, ordered the military to attack a pro-Taliban mosque in the center of Islamabad during the summer of 2007.

"I am sure if he is about to die or has already died, there will be a succession and somebody else will take over from him and the Taliban movement will continue. But this will be a major morale booster for Pakistan," a second Pakistani security official told Bokhari.

The sources spoke to CBS News on customary condition of anonymity, as they were not permitted to share the information about such sensitive topics to the nation's security.

On Sept. 20, at least 57 people were killed and 266 injured in a devastating truck bomb blast at Islamabad’s Marriott hotel. The brazen attack was a powerful reminder to Pakistanis, and the rest of the world, of the instability within the country.

Investigators searched for any clues that might link Mehsud to the planning or supplying of explosives for the devastating attack, but, to date, no conclusive evidence has been made public.

On Monday night, the Pakistani government announced the appointment of a military general as the new leader of the country's powerful spy agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

The move was seen as a response to recent criticism by U.S. and other Western officials who have privately questioned the loyalties of some ISI operatives. The agency created has decades old links to the Taliban movement and it is widely suspected that there are still operatives sympathetic to Islamic militants, including the Taliban and al Qaeda.

Pakistan's government has always denied the allegations.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, the new director general of the ISI, is an accomplished officer who recently oversaw the planning of the military's operation in Bajur, a former Taliban stronghold.

Western diplomats have said the top-level change at the ISI could mark a more aggressive push by Pakistan to go after Mehsud's fighters in the border region. The U.S. has repeatedly urged Pakistan to do more to prevent Taliban and al Qaeda militants from operating on its soil, and from crossing the border to launch attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan.

[drinuk]

Anyone seen CHENEY ?

[petro49l]

The Saudis directed George W. Bush to defend Osama Bin Laden from the Coalition. The Pakistani Army protects Waziristan. Al Qada produces tar heroin at an incredible rate. Drug Addicts fill Al Qada bank accounts with money from narcotics sales. Islamabad has no interest stopping opiate trade from the region. Concentrates of exotic poppies brings in more profit than the sale of petroleum.

[welshwoman-2009]

Americans are the very lucrative source of much money for drugs and pornography so we shouldn''t sit around judging George Bush when it''s the American populus which creates many of the issues on hand. The Taliban wants money to conquer us and we gladly hand it over out of greed, immaturity and insecurity.

[checkthepast]

Americans are the very lucrative source of much money for drugs and pornography ... it''''s the American populus which creates many of the issues on hand.

Posted by Welshwoman

America does not have a monopoly on drug and pornography use. All ''developed'' nations share in this. So we shouldn''t sit around judging only America in this conversation. The problems are worldwide, but it seems the US always gets the blame.

[rational_1]

Come on Mehsud, give it up - think of the 72 virgins in burquas waiting for you in the afterlife. Too bad caves don''t come with dialysis machines you primitive savage.

[hunterdon6]

The muslims just want to drag the world back to the middle ages.

[parrots121]

My only question is - Who the Fck is this POS ??? How many more names have we been told about these Taliban and ALQ ?? Why hasn''t the POS OBL been arrested or killed yet ? Any Repugs remember that POS ? Any ??

[closethippy1]

Americans are the very lucrative source of much money for drugs and pornography ... it''s the American populus which creates many of the issues on hand.
Posted by Welshwoman

America does not have a monopoly on drug and pornography use. All developed nations share in this. So we shouldn''t sit around judging only America in this conversation. The problems are worldwide, but it seems the US always gets the blame.
Posted by checkthepast at 07:15 AM : Oct 01, 2008

Well, checkpast, to be fair please keep in mind that it is stimated the US consumes 50% (FIFTY PERCENT) of the world''s illegal drugs.
The US should do its part before being so critical of drug producing countries and sending them money and weapons and personnel to destroy entire forrests and the livelihood of millions of mainstream farmers because of it.

[mytoosense]

Anyone seen CHENEY ?
Posted by drinuk

Cheney is busy trying to wrap his head around the idea of being replaced by Sarah Palin.

Darth Vader passes his evil powers to Princess Leah
and together they shoot an inocent space moose.

[sfcusarmy1]

HA! HA! HA! Die Dirt Bag! Die!!!

[questionnews]

This story really belongs in the "Entertainment" Section.

[specialty8]

Clinton had the chance to get Bin when he was not hidding in a cave and fired a few warning shots.These radicals are afraid of Bush and know he would possibly hit them with a few nukes if they attack us again. If they had the weapons we have they would have already used them. Remember we are infidels according to them and they are out to destroy us. Maybe when Obama sets down and has a nice chat with Bin this will all change,good luck with that one.

[mytoosense]

Poor liberals are running out of fearless leaders.
Posted by OneAmerican6

What Crapp,
Liberals and Conservatives share the same level of disgust for these poor excuses for men.

If Osama Bin Laden was asked which American political Party he would prefer to see in power, I bet he would chose the Republican Party, after all, they are the ones who have allowed him to live for seven years after 9/11.

[mytoosense]

thats it, thats it let it out!! you are in the anger stage of your grief. let it out!!
Posted by jamesm12341

Anger?
I''m having the time of my life watching everything the Republicans have touched for the last eight years turn to *****.

Don''t worry James, in a month you and yours can get back to doing what you do best, Hating the Party in power.

[mytoosense]

And now for some more Horshitt Posted by jamesm12341

[mytoosense]

so, you care more about party than country?
Posted by jamesm12341

What is this James? Are you trying to make a point?
I thoght senseless dribble was all you offered.

[specialty8]

I can see Barrak Huessien Obama and Osama Bin Laden sitting in the cave now around the camp fire and having a nice talk about not blowing things up. He could probley take Gore with him so Al could tell Osama how much this camp fire is adding to global warming and he does not want to stop using all of this electric to heat his swimming pools. Do as I say and not what I do Osama. This would be a historic moment and the choosen one will have solved all the problems. Meanwhile back at the cave Osamas cronies are drawing up new plans.

[mytoosense]

so, you care more about party than country?
Posted by jamesm12341

What I care about is Changing the Party to Save the Country.

What you seem to care about is honing your skills at active denial.

[easeup-2009]

That guy sure looks like the bassist for Jefferson Airplane......coincidence? I think not!

[berniew4]

There i sno Question liberal dfemocrats hate BUSH/McCAIN/PALIN so much they prefer to see us lose wars .break the economy if it helps their cause. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR THIS COUNTRY only hate for rebs. Miliions of demos cannot and will not try to explain OBAMA''s birth certificate,hie love for terrorists, AYERS friendship etc. REv Wright.. Fannie Mae/Mac employees with millions as advisers ??.. ACORN dealings ?/ His experiences ?? His writings at HaRVARD{HIDDEN } ?? His early political communistic writnings. He is only loved because he will "CHANGE " No more BUSH?McCain.Only this unknown Messiah. Hitler proved MILLIONS can be wrong !!

[mytoosense]

I don''''t think I can stomach the sight of bin laden and obama sitting in the White House "negotiating" if obama got elected.
Posted by USA-No1

You wouldnt need to watch Bin Laden do anything if Bush had done his job and wacked the S.O.B.

When President Obama finally finishes the job, I''ll look forward to laughing at the GOPers ridiculous rational for why Bush should get the credit for it.

[easeup-2009]

You wouldnt need to watch Bin Laden do anything if Bush had done his job and wacked the S.O.B.

When President Obama finally finishes the job, I''''ll look forward to laughing at the GOPers ridiculous rational for why Bush should get the credit for it.

Posted by mytoosense at 12:17 PM : Oct 01, 2008

They connected Bin Laden to the 1st WTC bombing as early as 1995. If we would have gotten him in the 6 years prior to 9/11, many lives would have been saved.

[mytoosense]

They connected Bin Laden to the 1st WTC bombing as early as 1995. If we would have gotten him in the 6 years prior to 9/11, many lives would have been saved. Posted by easeup

Agreed.

If his mother had realized what an evil prickk he would become and aborted him, none of it would have happened either. Let blame Mom.

[easeup-2009]

If his mother had realized what an evil prickk he would become and aborted him, none of it would have happened either. Let blame Mom.

Posted by mytoosense at 12:32 PM : Oct 01, 2008

So it''s OK to blame Bush but not OK to blame Clinton. Got it.

[mytoosense]

I Blame Clinton for not acurately predicting how destructive Bin Ladin would be.

I blame Bush for allowing Bin Ladin to get away with it.

[easeup-2009]

I Blame Clinton for not acurately predicting how destructive Bin Ladin would be.

I blame Bush for allowing Bin Ladin to get away with it.

Posted by mytoosense at 12:42 PM : Oct 01, 2008

Yeah, I guess the 8 1/2 months in office was plenty of time to do what wasn''t done the previous 6 years.

That makes sense.

[mytoosense]

I Blame Clinton for not acurately predicting how destructive Bin Ladin would be.

I blame Bush for allowing Bin Ladin to get away with it.Posted by mytoosense at 12:42 PM : Oct 01, 2008

Yeah, I guess the 8 1/2 months in office was plenty of time to do what wasn''''t done the previous 6 years.
That makes sense.
Posted by easeup

It didnt make sense to you because you mis-read the point.

Bin Ladin has been GETTING AWAY WITH IT since 9/11.
That would be 84 months and 20 days.

[easeup-2009]

Bin Ladin has been GETTING AWAY WITH IT since 9/11.
That would be 84 months and 20 days.

Posted by mytoosense at 12:59 PM : Oct 01, 2008

Actually he''s been getting away with it since 1993, so if you''re going to blame Bush then blame Clinton equally.

[mytoosense]

Actually he''''s been getting away with it since 1993, so if you''''re going to blame Bush then blame Clinton equally.
Posted by easeup

OK.

[mytoosense]

May Baitullah Mehsud receive the best medical care that any taliban training camp can provide.
Doctor: please pass me that opium pipe, hammer and rusty saw.

[easeup-2009]

Seriously why is there a picture of George Harrison in this article?

[erasmus81]

Yeah, how the heck easeup thought it was George Harrison, is beyond me. Must need glasses.

[erasmus81]

He is from ''''Nirvana''''.
Google Nirvana and se who is he.

Posted by TomFlint69 at 04:09 PM : Oct 01, 2008

You''re right!

[easeup-2009]

The hell you say!!!

http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/1d/images.art.com/images/-/George-Harrison-Photograph-C10053225.jpeg

George freaking Harrison!!!

[erasmus81]

He is from ''''''''Nirvana''''''''.
Google Nirvana and se who is he.

Posted by TomFlint69 at 04:09 PM : Oct 01, 2008

Isn''t he also in "The Foo Fighters"?

[erasmus81]

Sorry, not "also". He IS in "The Foo Fighters".

[hermitdave]

NEVER FEAR---all the fake CIA terror dudes are like cats. They have nine lives. Some even more. Crusader Georgie''s crusaders have killed some of these guys 10 or 15 times. Try this new game, guess how many Osamas the CIA still has on the payroll.

[lovesamerica]

Good4always..Where do you live? Maybe it is time for you to go ''home''

[theOriginalGatekeeper]

"Pakistani Taliban Leader Dead Or Dying?" Another demon returns to hell. Time to celebrate.

[dewbug2]

hey good4always.....if you had another brain, it would be really lonesome...look, scata head, you packed-***-stannys can''t even make a decent pocket knife, much less wipe out the US in a "second"....other countries have tried it, and they couldn''t do it....and they had real people, not towel heads, for soldiers....the only people who are going to succeed in destroying this country are our own billionaire politicians and the apathetic fools who would rather watch ball games than their government.go home, butthead.

[larryhammick]

I''ve heard many bogus rumors of exactly the same form as this one: Sheikh So-and-so is dead or dying, says Pakistani news organ Such-and-such, citing an anonymous Pakistani security official. Usama alone -- how many times has he died in Pakistan? Quite a few, for a guy whom Islamabad denies is in Pakistan at all.

[geneonlbk]

Britain%u2019s Ambassador to Afghanistan has stoked opposition to the allied operation there by reportedly saying that the campaign against the Taleban insurgents would fail and that the best hope was to install an acceptable dictator in Kabul.

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, a Foreign Office heavyweight with a reputation for blunt speaking, delivered his bleak assessment of the seven-year Nato campaign in Afghanistan in a briefing with a French diplomat, according to French leaks. However sources in Whitehall said the account was a parody of the British Ambassador%u2019s remarks.

Another horrible Bush no-brain-error

[swwils]

If he ain''t dead he should be.All their(Taliban)purpose on this earth is too make others suffer.

[peyton3000]

die, die, die!!

[peyton3000]

PAKISTAN IS THE BESTESE FRIEND AMERICA WILL EVER EVER HAVE.

ONLY BECAUSE OF PAKISTAN AMERICA IS SURVIVING. ONLY BECAUSE OF HELP AMERICA IS ALIVE AND ABLE TO BREATH.... OTHERWISE IF PAKISTAN WISH IT CAN FINISH AMERICA IN ONE SECOND !!! AND THAT IS THE ONLY REASON AMERICA NEVER EVER GO AGAINST PAKISTAN.....!!!


Posted by Good4Always

sorry dipsh1t the british are our best friends,and what the hell has pakistan done for us besides maybe make the rubber bottom of my shoe or was that china oh well they make something I wear and I''m sure it''s they did a crappy job at that.