1984 and More.

Wow. As Malala recounts her memory (Chapter 9) of how the Taliban stealthily moved in and took over the minds and hearts of the area, I cannot help but think of George Orwell's 1984. 

 They paraded as devout, pure reformers.

Their message is to improve the morality and adherence to doctrine.

They target the corruption of the governing class.

They work to sound like friends.

Until they gain enough power to then be barbaric.

Then they force people to help build their empire.

Then they make threats to any who don't listen to their message.

Then they police the public areas, burn symbols of infidelity, encourage brutality, and hinder education.

All of this paraded under a saintly facade of religious morality.

Hm. Perhaps this isn't the first time such a situation has occurred. And certainly doesn't sound too far off from current events.

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