Religious Minorities and the Talibanization of the Swat Region in Pakistan

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari authorized Islamic law, Shariah, in that country's Swat Valley last week opening the door to direct rule by the Taliban. The Pakistan government's surrender to Taliban leaders in the region has already forced a rollback in women's rights, murders of local officials and levy of a jaziya, a type of penalty or tax, on Hindus, Sikhs and other minorities residing in the valley. Joining us today to discuss the situation of minorities in the Swat region is Ishani Chowdhury, Director of Public POlicy for the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to promoting religious tolerance, pluralism, and human rights. HAF works to bring a Hindu-American perspective to U.S. policymakers through its government outreach programs in D.C.