Himalaya

Day 3: South to Darra Adam Khel

The young man speaks English well, but claims he's the exception. There is a lack of money for education and most men of his age have little option but to leave school early and go straight into the gun-making business. When he hears I'm from the BBC he is complimentary. Everyone listens to their Pashto service in the evenings. They are trusted, but less so after the Iraq war.

I bridle a little. Would he rather Saddam Hussein had remained in power?

He shakes his head vehemently. He hated Saddam Hussein. He hated him because he accepted American help to fight a fellow Islamic country, Iran.

I'm embarrassingly aware how much longer his memory is than mine.

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PALIN'S GUIDES

Series: Himalaya
Chapter: Day 3: South to Darra Adam Khel
Country/sea: Pakistan
Place: Darra Adam Khel
Book page no: 19

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ROUTE MAPS

Khyber Pass - Srinagar