Malala makes it !!!

EDITORIAL: THE NEWS

Despite the best attempts of the assailant who shot her at point-blank range as she rode a bus home from school in Mingora, 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai has made it back into this world after struggling for days against the grip of death. As she had done before, she has shown she is a fighter – determined never to give up no matter what the odds. She had proven this during her efforts to promote education for girls, criticising the Taliban who had blown up countless schools in Swat alone. Her courageous stand against these men of violence is what brought bullets Malala’s way. To the relief of many in the country, and possibly the disappointment of the militants who had no scruples in targeting a child – defying all laws of humanity and religion – Malala has woken up from her medically-induced coma at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. She found herself very far away from the surroundings she was struck down in, immediately asking doctors, by writing out her question, what country she was in. Malala is as yet unable to speak because of a tube in her trachea. The chief medical concern was the bullet in her skull, but doctors in the UK say she was able to stand briefly with help, and is showing signs of recovery – though further surgery will be required. The case of Malala raises questions that go far beyond the issue of medical care. While she is extremely fortunate to have survived the attack, we need to ask questions about the mindset of many among ourselves. Conspiracy theories have abounded since Malala was shot, with the rumour doing the rounds that this young girl who spoke for the people of Swat is an American agent and is now being used by the US to suit its own purposes. It is shocking how many people appear willing to believe it. We need to ask ourselves why this is happening. Have we lost all ability to face the truth and accept that the Taliban are capable of extraordinary evil – something they have proven time and again? Today, Malala has woken up in a hospital far from home. She is safe for now, but will it ever be possible for her to return home to Mingora? This is a tough question to answer, given that militancy lives on – for now.