Conflict In Pakistan's Swat Valley Takes Grisly Turn

by Philip Reeves, NPR

More than a year after it began, the war between Pakistan's army and Taliban militants in Pakistan's northwest Swat Valley continues — and the Taliban is stronger than ever.

Many Pakistanis thought the military offensive would be over in a few weeks, and that Swat — a picturesque alpine area — would return to its role as a popular tourist haven.

But the conflict has taken a nasty turn recently. In the last several weeks, there has been a sudden spike in the number of corpses displayed in the streets.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, January 12, 2009