Hakimullah Mehsud was reported to have been killed. (A Majeed/AFP/Getty)From Wall Street Journal:
Officials struggled Monday to figure out what is going on inside the Pakistan Taliban following the apparent death of its leader last week and reports that al Qaeda was trying to gain greater power in the group.
The country's top law enforcement official said al Qaeda was taking advantage of a bloody succession battle to choose a leader favorable to its interests while a contender who had been reported killed in that infighting called reporters to say he's alive and well.
The contender, Hakimullah Mehsud, also claimed that Baitullah Mehsud, the Taliban leader U.S. and Pakistani officials say they are almost certain was killed last week in an American missile strike, is also alive.
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More News On The Taliban In Pakistan
Taleban leader 'killed' in power struggle telephones reporters -- Times Online
Taliban debunk claim of battle at shura meeting in South Waziristan -- Long war Journal
Confusion over Pakistan Taliban leader's death -- CBC
Militant commander resurfaces to rebut official claims of his death -- The Guardian
Taliban Deny Pakistani Report They Are Fighting Over Leadership -- Bloomberg
Taliban Challenges Pakistan To Prove War -- Wall Street Journal
Pakistan Believes al-Qaida Seeking New Taliban Leader -- Voice of America
Pakistan Taliban fight for control of dead leader's millions -- The Telegraph
Pakistan government to seek DNA proof in bid to confirm death of Taliban leader -- Daily Mail
My Comment: Confusion is an understatement.