Time analysis betrays ... what?

The Time story 'The Times Square Suspect's Pakistan Connection' includes some interesting 'analysis'. Let's take a look.

"It's unclear if [TTP] is even capable of extending its reach overseas beyond the Afghanistan and Pakistan arena — or why it would want to, given that it is facing a punishing Pakistani military offensive in its tribal sanctuaries north of the capital, Islamabad. It has also been handicapped by U.S. drone strikes that have effectively crippled its communications capability and maneuverability."

Well, what would it take to clarify the TTP capability to strike ' overseas beyond the Afghanistan and Pakistan arena'? TTP naval task force or mountain division deploying overseas? They are no regular force; networked (however loosely) individuals is all they need to strike. As regards motivation of the individuals, tribal people are by definition driven by tribal loyalties. Time doubts the TTP capability to strike in the US; I am sure the average head of a Pakhtun clan - adequately motivated or provoked - can strike almost anywhere in the world.

Why TTP would want to strike in the U.S. is an utter no-brainer; because (a) the TTP is taking a fair bit of punishment from the Pakistani military and (b) facing devastating drone strikes from the U.S. They are a guerrilla outfit - who should be expected to (a) take ops away from regular warfare and (b) at least appear to be striking at the real enemy. The Time analysis clearly turns this argument on its head.

Where does this 'analysis' lead? Let's see if the context helps:
1. Failed Times Square bombing attempt
2. Taliban claim responsibility

3. U.S. authorities discount the claim as propaganda
4. Investigator link a naturalized U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin to the attack
5. 'He also claimed to have been trained at a terror camp in ...Waziristan'
6. Investigators hedge against their earlier stance by saying they are considering all possibilities
7. Time analysis appears to exonerate TTP...

Interesting, no?