Pakistani authorities and Taliban militants exchanged dozens of prisoners Wednesday, officials said in the latest breakthrough in a peace process that is stirring growing alarm in the West, according to AP. Pakistan army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said tribal elders mediating in the talks Wednesday secured the release of seven security personnel, including two army officers. In return, Abbas said authorities released 30 people detained in Waziristan, a key militant stronghold overlooking the Afghan border. Abbas described the 30 only as «tribal people» and gave no further details. However, three Pakistani intelligence officials said they were suspected militants. Pakistan's new civilian government has offered to negotiate with militants who renounce violence in an attempt to halt a bloody series of suicide bombings on its cities and security forces.
