AP Photo

It is precisely Pakistan’s lack of sovereign control over the festering mess of militant activity in the FATA that makes our actions necessary. U.S. policymakers likely wish that Pakistan’s “sovereign control” of the tribal belt was a reality, but what Pakistan really has throughout the FATA is a simmering armed insurrection with yearly flare-ups. In fact this year’s flare up, this time in North Waziristan, is about due to ignite.