I've been reading the I Am Malala book this past week. The last few chapters I've thought about deeply, even in the moments I'm reading the page; I find myself losing my focus, lost in a different world trying to understand exactly what I've been reading. The time of the Taliban and their exertion of power over the Swati people is such a sad part of the book. Why such discrimination, and why such a loss of vision and love for ones fellow human being? Religious belief shouldn't even be factored into the equation of such acts as those of the Taliban. It's a surreal moment in history, like that of the Nazi concentration camps or Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia. Of course it's not as extensive and the number of casualties don't compare, but the nature of the beast is the same; the confiscation of ones freedom.
The confiscation of education from a girl, the confiscation of free will, the freedom to choose not just your faith, but the manner in how you practice your faith. The enforcement of law is not law when the majority of a population are suppressed to the point of giving in to the opposing force, against their will.
What I find really painful to read are the moments in which Malala describes the Taliban's destruction of ancient Buddhist structures, and the elimination of all kinds of traditional and cultural values that the Swati people hold so dear. It's very clear throughout the book that culture and tradition in the Swat Valley is paramount to the way that Pashtuns live their lives.Malala also brings more light on the hurt that was felt by Swati's on the news of innocent killings of children by US drones. That is a story that lies in the background of Malala's book, yet is obviously a greater issue than that. It must be seen as on par with the actions of the Taliban, and was clearly a driving force behind the Taliban's recruitment appeal.
I hope one day that for me it will be safe to go visit the Swat Valley. It's mountains, lakes and scenery are clearly some of the most beautiful on this planet. To walk or cycle through the valley, and walk the streets of Mingora and other small villages would be a dream. One day, I believe that I will.
