Government attempts to strike peace deals with the militants have not stopped the fighting and have sparked criticism from U.S.officials.

VOA: standard.2009.05.05

U.S.officials also have praised the action following months of criticism over the attempted peace deal with the militants.

VOA: standard.2009.05.12

The Pakistani army has fought in Waziristan several times in recent years with little to show for its efforts except peace deals that have quickly fallen apart and emboldened Mehsud and his fighters.

VOA: standard.2009.06.18

And with respect to the announcement that occurred when the vice president was there, we've expressed our dismay and disappointment and we have, as I said earlier engaged in consultations with our partners in the peace effort - the Israelis and the Palestinians - about the way forward."

VOA: standard.2010.03.16