The destruction of six holy shrines in Orakzai agency by Taliban comes as no surprise. In the past, the Taliban have also destroyed the statues of Buddha in a failed attempt to distort history of this region. These shrines have long been the centers of peace and spiritual guidance that help neutralize the hate spread by these extremists. Taliban are opposed to any signs of progress or enlightenment be it the schools or shrines. What they cannot understand is the essence of these places and the spirit they cannot destroy. As the spirit of these Sufis lives in the hearts and minds of the masses, their message of harmony courses through our folk culture and the Pakhtun virtues of hospitality. No amount of bloodshed can erode this spirit. -AHMED ALI, Islamabad, January 6.