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RW:Almost every Pathan family has them. Pathans make all kinds of weapons in their cottage industry. It's been their tradition for the last few hundred years.
TM:How many families have lost loved ones to the war?
RW:Not too many, but that's due to the large number of families that have been displaced by the war. Many have been victims of the TTP's terrorism and almost all have been affected in one way or the other. There have also been a few deaths in the crossfire between the Army and terrorists but the number of those killed by the Army's weapons is very small.
TM:How many families have members who are fighting in the resistance?
RW:I would say 70-80 percent are willing to take up arms if the TTP terrorists infiltrate their towns again. The TTP has no local support in Swat or Malakand area although they do have some clans supporting them in Waziristan Agency.
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TM:What can we do to help?
RW:Channel cash directly to the affected families so they can rebuild their houses and businesses.Absolutely no cashshould be sent through the government as none of it will end up in the right hands.
TM:What information do they want us to publish and spread about their
situation in the West?
RW:They want the world to know that they are a strong, proud people and they will rebuild their lives, but they will not let the terrorists hold them hostage again. The monumental corruption levels in government should also be highlighted.
TM:Do they have hope?
RW:Absolutely. One hundred percent.
*names of the two men interviewed have been changed for privacy purposes.
READ MORE REPORTS AND ANALYSIS BY
AXIS OF LOGIC COLUMNIST, TALHA MUJADDIDI
Copyright 2009 by AxisofLogic.com
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