Another head

The chief of the Taliban's beheading squad becomes the latest key militant to be held. He carried a head money of Rs10 million. Sher Muhammad Qasab had a particularly blood-thirsty reputation, often choosing to behead people himself and encouraging others who formed a part of the death squads he headed to do the same. His capture, along with 17 other militants further weakens the Swat Taliban. Some accounts suggest that Maulana Fazlullah may choose to surrender within days. For many this would symbolize final victory over the militants.

The time has come too to assess the impact of the terror. The regular beheadings in the central square at Mingora, the gory display of heads atop stakes, the floggings and beatings which were a norm of life under the Taliban and the fear which stalked every street have left behind many effects. Psychological trauma is being reported, especially among children. There has been a terrible brutalization of people, extending beyond Swat. Video footage widely available on CD shows children beheading adult men. Some of the films offer tips on how this should be done. The time has come to reclaim Swat and our society as a whole. Counselling is required for those who have lived through the nightmare. This is especially true for women and children, and families who have lost relatives. Some recount seeing sons or husbands slaughtered as they watched. We also need laws to be put in place against the distribution of material that promotes violence. The militants have used modern technology, including CDs and taped recordings of all kinds with expertise to promote their cause. People in Swat have been speaking out about the damage this has caused. The hatred against persons such as Qasab is quite clearly widespread. His capture should act as a reminder of the need to create a situation where such men do not again crop up to create so much mayhem. If we learn this lesson, this will be one positive outcome of a war that has created only destruction. Link...