THE controversial peace deal between the government and the militants in Swat is on the verge of being derailed. To a lot of people, even those without a darker, ulterior motive, this might not be a bad thing; and they would be motivated only by a desire to better the lot of the people of Swat. But whereas well-meaning civil society types go on raising the slogans of this cause celebre, the people of the turbulent valley itself, regardless of their position on the political spectrum, keep praying for its continuation. The conservatives one can understand, but why would the more liberal elements wish for this? The reason being the failed Army operation against the militants; one that yielded a very high count of collateral damage. Though the people of the valley make far worse, far more caustic interpretations of the Army's failure, we will limit ourselves to an inability of the Army to control to the situation. The next best thing, as the people of Swat see fit, and as is propounded by the liberal political parties that they have elected, is to ensure that at least peace returns to Swat. Tourism, once the mainstay of the economy, is in tatters. Economic patterns have been grossly overrun by the militancy, there is rife unemployment and very low commercial activity. But the Presidency has yet to sign the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation into action. This is, it bears to mention, a variation of the system that the late Ms Bhutto had approved herself. The federal government insists the signature must be preceded by peace in the area. The militants don't argue the other way around, but ask for the parameters of the required peace. Both sides should be a little flexible on the issue. The Presidency should be a little more specific, not to mention realistic, whereas Maulana Sufi Muhammad should stop making threats of bloodshed. One way or the other, the people of Swat deserve better than this.