Women were packing dried food in a makeshift warehouse, defying the ban on work. The widows are in the worst situation. The Taliban's internationally condemned campaign of idol-smashing has pleased some people but dismayed others. It was as though they were fighting the Buddha. But the Buddhas were bringing money for us because tourists would come.
Nobody is happy.
People hate Pakistan, they feel it is responsible for everything. Pakistan's military rulers continue to give diplomatic and covert military support to the Taliban. Yet the Taliban's brand of intolerance has already brought insecurity to Pakistan. In border villages, pro-Taliban zealots have destroyed televisions, banned music cassettes and proclaimed what they claim is authentic Sharia law. America and other western nations are now warning Musharraf that it is time to clamp down on the ultra-extremists, before they threaten Pakistan itself.