In Taliban Commander's Capture, a Coup for Pakistan

The capture of the Taliban's military commander is a major coup for Pakistan that is likely to win the country a bigger say in Afghanistan's future, analysts say. Pakistani officials had complained that they were being excluded from American negotiations with the Afghan Taliban. But with Mullah Baradar in their hands, those lines of communication now go through Pakistan, experts tell the New York Times.

American and Afghan officials say that Baradar's capture is likely to complicate the reconciliation process. The commander "was the only person intent on or willing for peace negotiations," a Kandahar official involved in the talks says. He, and other Afghan officials, believe that Baradar may be able to persuade other Taliban to give up the fight, but warn that it will only strengthen the militants' resolve if they believe he is being mistreated.
(More Pakistan stories.)