Critics said appeasement would only embolden the militants to take over other areas.

Critics said appeasement would only embolden the militants who aim to take over other areas.

Policy has been flip-flopping between inconclusive military offensives and peace deals that critics say embolden the militants.

With violence at its worst since U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001, analysts say continuing political uncertainty and infighting will only embolden the militants.

Analysts say these links explain why Pakistan's policy on its armed groups flip-flops between inconclusive offensives and peace deals that critics say embolden the militants.