Could this be the beginning of the end of the hard line Taliban / Al Qaeda?

The Taliban which is firmly backed by Al Qaeda in Pakistan have stopped all fighting in the Swat valley, which was one of Pakistans only ski resort.

They announced a ten deay ceasfire with Pakistani troops who have met up at the resort.

This area was once a great place for trout fishing enthusiasts before it became over-run by radical militants,

The current strategy of the Pakistani government is to achieve peace through diplomacy with Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders in areas which are heavily controlled by these militant groups.

Pakistan is under severe pressure in this region, were local politicians have had to flee the area such as the head of the Awami National party who had to move to Islamabad due to threats.

Every major ceasefire though with the Taliban has allowed them to re-group such as the ceasfire in the Swat valley in 2008 and the 2006 cease-fire in Southern Warisitan in 2006 which has been blamed on giving the militant groups al Qaeda and the Taliban a stronger position in the country.

Picture at top of article: Snow boarding int the beautiful Swat Valley in Pakistan.

Picture left: Location of the Swat Valley in Northern Pakistan, It was once Pakistans premier skiing resort.