-Image from the BBC

The picture above is from this story which describes some stories of people who have been displaced by the fighting between the Pakistani Army and Taleban insurgents in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. If you read some of these stories, particularly one about the teacher, you get a sense of how oppressive life under the Taleban is.

I know that war is not the best solution, however, in my opinion this battle is one that Pakistan needs to step up to right now. It is such a tricky situation, though, as many in Pakistan at large may not support the government, particularly if vast numbers of civilians are killed or if the U.S. is seen to be supporting or urging this operation too much.

To give you some perspective, here is how one of the teachers at the boarding school for missionary children which I attended described Swat (I presume this was some time in the 60’s): “Swat was the most advanced area of Pakistan when Isabel and I first arrived. Schools for girls and even boys and girls speaking English. Good roads and hospitals too. It was in the time of the Wali who was the ruler. Such a shame.”

Moreover it is such a beautiful area, bringing in a fair amount of tourism money as well.

However, now all the dear people, most of whom already had a hard time scraping together a living, are leading very difficult lives. If you are interested in helping them, Mercy Corps is a relief agency I trust. Here is their current plan:

Hours from now, our team will begin distributing 1,155 emergency-supply kits at a vocational training school in Mardan, one of the primary gathering points for displaced families. The kits contain blankets, feminine hygiene supplies, soap, towels, mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.

An estimated 75 percent of the displaced population are taking refuge in existing villages rather than tent camps. Our ongoing efforts will focus on immediate needs of families in communities overwhelmed by this influx, including ensuring they have access to cooking facilities, clean water and sanitary housing.

Click here or on the image below if you would like to donate to Mercy Corps’ Emergency relief fund which send funds to help in this situation. I think Mercy Corps has pretty good financials too.