Areas of concern in Pakistan

Below is the map of the areas in Pakistan that are supposed to be under the control of the Taliban now - and where Bin Laden et al may be hiding.



And below are the persons of concern in Pakistan - that is if you are the Taliban.

The little girls pictured are persons of concern to the Taliban because girls' education is un-Islamic according to their interpretation of things, and thus, girls who go to school should be eliminated.

But given that girls schools are still operating - and well attended - in spite of the Taliban suggests to me that the locals might be very helpful should there be an solid opportunity to get rid of them.

Uploaded on December 21, 2006 by tj.devine

And look, not only are there girls' schools operating in the area, but co-ed schools too. The pictures above and below were both taken in Balakot.

Uploaded on December 21, 2006 by tj.devine

And not only does there seem to be a pervasive rationality in this region - there's even terrific style. The girl's lace chunni couldn't be cuter - and check out the boy wearing the leopard coat. And what about that backpack in the front row? Is whoever it belongs to carrying it by choice or necessity? I'd love to know what these kids want to be when they grow up.