INFIGHTING over the succession to slain Tehrik Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mahsud gives an indication that the Taliban are the victims of their own violence, and have begun a process of implosion. The forces still loyal to Baitullah attacked forces loyal to the pro-government Malik Turkistani Betani in a village between South Waziristan Agency and Tank district on Wednesday, leading to the deaths of 70 militants. Malik Turkistani has already fought off an attack on his training camp, and is disappointed at the role of the security forces, which have two brigades in the area. This latest round of intra-Taliban violence has also included women and children among the victims, just as drone attacks by the Americans do. The Taliban were supposed to counter foreign invasion, but it seems that after Baitullah's death, they are now degenerating into a free-for-all that is predicted for terrorist groups. Now that victims are not easy to target, it seems easier to engage in violence against each other. One inevitable result is that the Taliban are weakening. This can only be good news, not just for those engaged in fighting them, but also those under their grip. It does not indicate by a long shot an end to the War on Terror, but it does indicate that it is drawing to a close, with Pakistan looking as if it will be on the winning side.