Yes, I was detained for eight days in Waziristan in 1996. It was against my will, and my passport and money were taken from me. I was not mistreated or harmed, but I was also not allowed to leave.
More Quotes by Greg Mortenson
My father ended up starting the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, which is on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. My mother started a school.
The Pathan people of Waziristan are proud people who I greatly admire.
I decided in '96 to dedicate my life to mostly promoting literacy and education for girls in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.
If you look at the 9/11 highjackers, certainly they were educated, some even had university degrees, but nobody really checked their mothers, who were nearly all illiterate.
I say if you fight terrorism, it's based in fear, but if you promote peace, it's based on hope.
Liberals, conservatives, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and I find - I think education is something that can bring us together.