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Three cups of tea: ‘US author fabricated charity work in Pakistan’
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Thank you all, for your support
I would like to say shukria for the response to “60 Minutes” which said I have exaggerated my work in Pakistan.
The writer is co-founder and director of Central Asia Institute as well as the founder of Pennies for Peace. He is the co-author of the New York Times #1 best-seller Three Cups of Tea (Penguin, 2006)
I would like to say shukria for the overwhelming response to the CBS show “60 Minutes”, which has said that I have exaggerated my work in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the midst of these difficult and challenging days, I keep thinking about the Persian proverb, “When it is darkest, you can see the stars”.
Although we would like the world to be orderly and peaceful, the reality is that our world is a dynamic, fluid place, often filled with chaos. In that space, I thrive and get the courage to help bring change. I also feel great pride that so many people have chosen to support those who live in the ‘Last Best Places’, where other organisations or governments offer few or no services.
I welcome and am used to facing criticism, which sometimes even turns into hostility, over the important work we do in Pakistan and Afghanistan. As an introvert, it is also not easy to have to enter an arena of a media circus at the drop of a heartbeat. But, as those of you who know me and have supported my work over the years will recognise, the story framed by “60 Minutes” — as far as we can tell — paints a distorted picture using inaccurate information, innuendo and a microscopic focus on one year’s (2009) IRS 990 financial, and a few points in Three Cups of Tea, that occurred almost 18 years ago. Apparently, the CBS programme is to be followed in the near future by a similar negative piece by journalist Jon Krakauer in an unknown magazine.
The board of directors of the Central Asia Institute and I made the very difficult decision to not engage with “60 Minutes” on camera, after they attempted an eleventh-hour aggressive approach to reach me, including an ambush in front of children at a book-signing at a community service leadership convention in Atlanta. It was clear that the programme’s disrespectful approach would not result in a fair, balanced or objective representation of our work, my books or our vital mission. We also turned down a last minute request for an interview with Jon Krakauer.
“60 Minutes” may appear to ask simple questions, but the answers are often complex, not easily encapsulated in 10-second sound bites. We work in isolated areas, in communities that are not on any map, and often in areas of turmoil, religious extremism or natural disasters where education is still relatively rare and ancient codes of conduct and social hierarchies still dominate — all these things demand constant adjustment, accommodation and patience. We have always maintained that our work is about investing in relationships, respecting elders and in listening, and is not in one that lasts just a few minutes on prime time television.
So although I did not do an on-camera interview, the board of directors and I have duly responded to questions provided us late last week by “60 Minutes” with both statements and answers. And, as always, we pride ourselves to be transparent with our financials and IRS 990 forms. I also recently returned from Afghanistan and was amazed to see how well everything is going there, including having five female managers (out of 15 total) and a plan to establish and build over 60 new schools this year.
(This article has been adapted from a longer message sent out by Greg Mortenson via email to friends and supporters. It is being published after receiving Mr Mortenson’s permission).
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2011.
Reader Comments (53)
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It is always very easy to criticize and very difficult to do some real work for the poor. I am personally 100% sure, there would be atleast one or two children who might be poor n it has changed their life because of your establishing 100+ schools .Apart from that, whatever you lied in your novel is for the sake of making it thrilling for the reader(after all it is a novel n that is your right to do so) you tried your best to convince the world and to some extent you got successful in your argument that we can change the world through education not by guns n killing people.We should appreciate n be positive n at the end, Let me ask the critics, have they ever tried in their life to change the world through taking practical steps ? if they had the experience of working for other people then they would never criticize you.Recommend
I have read your book “Three Cups of Tea”. As someone who has travelled through and briefly lived in parts of Skardu and Northern Pakistan a long time ago, I recognize and recall the hardships in people’s lives there. It brings to light that even after 25 plus years of when I saw that part of Pakistan, much remains the same. Despite a few minor inconsistancies in the book (which can all be chalked to editorial improvisations in my mind), I appreciate and applaud how you have brought those people’s lives, apirations and struggles to light as well as their complex social structure. All of which only highlights the extent of difficulties one faces even while conducting what is truly a generous and humanitarian gesture. I congratulate you on finding your calling in life.
Above all I value your insistance on local involvement and contribution. There is truly no amount of money, attention or sacrifice that can be doled on anyone, certainly not in Pakistan, that would bear any fruit until Pakistanis decide it is time to saddle up. What is truly inspiring is that your work has inspired Pakistanis.
Greg, Thank you.Recommend
We appreciate your dedication and efforts to improve the education sector in Pakistan. Your genuine concern and love for Pakistan is one reason why the people of Pakistan have welcomed you with open arms. You have done more to improve Pak American relations than successive American governments who have only used Pakistan to defeat the Soviet Union. Pakistan is still picking up the pieces after we helped end the Cold War and make the world a safer place by reducing the risk of a nuclear WW3. You have shown that there decent people out there who care about making a genuine partnership with local Pakistanis. I wish you further success with your organization.Recommend
Have read and liked your book ‘Three cups of tea ‘. The simple fact that you are doing something to forward education in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan is reason enough for me to express my support for you. Recommend
Mr. Morgenstern, thank you for your good work.
@ Grace: “Pakistan is still picking up the pieces “.
Wrong. Pakistan has been put to pieces due to the likes of the Late Mr. Charlie Wilson (RIP).
We would have been better off not having walked into this ‘strategic mess’. Yet, we can’t put all the blame on the US. General Zia allowed it, milked it for the weapons he could get from Mr. Wilson, for his own vendetta against India. Mr. Morgenstern and true American friends of Pakistan, are unfortunately having to do the real “picking up the pieces” bit. But, as if once was not enough, Foggy Bottom has reinforced the arsenals of the ISI / Pak Army, by essentially forcing the same Faustian bargain with General Musharraf. Next time, please deal with the General Awam (the civil society in Pakistan.) Recommend
Some people who would not do anything themselves will neither let others do anything and won’t just stop there- they will raise ineundos and pick holes to try and destroy the credibility of others over small things. Such people are too small minded to be abel to see the big picture– of the needs of common people and the difficulty in finding and resources in finding the right people to fill those needs.Recommend
Greg..if you have read Iqbal; our national poet, he says “thundi bad-e-muqaleef say na gabra a uqqab…..” meaning that you should not be afraid of the criticisms, these are to make you fly higher. Media is doing its job and you should keep on doing your job. We appreciate your work. Keep it up!!!Recommend
@Grace:
US never asked Pakistan to help them against USSR. Pakistanis were jumping like moxkeys to provide help. Since indpendence they have been trying to get closer to US without knowing the proper meaning of what getting close means. Its leaders (militry or civil) were mostly concerned about getting funds, war toys, alliance with US to be used against India and political patronage in their wheelings-dealing with US. The Pakistani leaders concisdered themselevs too clever when in reality they were fools.
Even now US has provided help to Pakistan like no other nation and people like you are totally ungrateful. I am wondering why US should spend billions in trying to win favor of the Pakistani people when they are so obdurate and incapapble to thinking.Recommend
You’re a good man Greg. Those who believe in you still do. Those who claim not to always had a cynical core that would have faltered at the first accusation. Good luck and God speed in your surgery.Recommend
greg:
the truth is out there somewhere….
as my mother use to say, if it hurts, take the truth and throw out the bitter(ness)
hope your mid course corrections would enable CAI to thriveRecommend
keep up the good work, the world needs more people like you!Recommend
Some of the allegations may be complex, but one is very simple — where did the profits from the book sales go? I have always believed the bulk of the book profits went to CAI. If that is not the case then yes, I do have a bit of a problem with the entire arrangement. The books are huge bestsellers because of the charity…not vice-versa. This is the main issue in my mind — where is the book money?Recommend
Thank you Greg sahab for helping my nation. Ignore the haters because spreading rumors and exaggerating small issues is what they do. As long as you keep doing what you do, then even changing the lives of 10 Pakistani children will make a great great difference in their lives.
On behalf of Pakistan,
Shukria to the you and the entire CAI team!Recommend
@Ajay:
this isnt about india vs pakistn, its helping the poor. Recommend
I remember crying many times while reading “Three Cups of Tea” and they were simply the tears of joy and gratitude. You are doing so much to change the lives of the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan which sure does bring hope for a good future. I thank you and your team for the your efforts and good work. Recommend
This is incredibly shameful and disgusting. How stupid are we Pakistanis to continue thanking this liar even after he’s been exposed as a fraud to the rest of the world? Did all of you who support this man go to one of his ghost schools? Recommend
Even if you have established one school, you have done more than 99.99% politicians in Pakistan and USA. To he’ll with 60 minutes, please march ahead as we deeply appreciate your work. You deserved sitar e Pakistan. God bless.Recommend
Here is the article in which he responds to the charges:
http://outsideonline.com/adventure/travel-ga-greg-mortenson-interview-sidwcmdev_155690.html?page=5Recommend
Are people being paid by CAI to write comments here?
.
So here are some of the minor editorial inconsistencies:
1) A well educated mehsud tribesman invited and hosted Greg in Waziristan. On his return to US, Greg writes a book telling everyone that he was kidnapped by taliban for eight days. The book also included the entire tribe holding weapons, posing with Greg as evidence that he was kidnapped. A second photo missing in the book shows Greg holding the weapons and posing with this mehsud tribesman and his family. Painting your hosts as taliban and accusing them of kidnap sells books no doubt.
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2) The charity has made school buildings and the number is far lesser then the one given on CAI website. The US government cannot audit the foundation because the schools are in remote areas where most of them don’t even exist. The remaining school buildings that were built don’t even function as schools.
.
3) It takes only 3000/4000 USD to build a school (even lesser as the buildings built are really small, two rooms at best). Allegedly 140 schools were built but there is only evidence of 1/10th that number and at best 1 or 2 are functioning. On the other hand 60 million USD were received in Charity.
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4) The kophre story and mountain climbing accident is also fabricated but its not important anyway.
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5) He uses most of the charity money to promote his books. It should be the other way round
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6) He is a complete fraud, the mehsud tribesman should be given a free hand when Greg comes to Pakistan.Recommend
@A “Sahab” ouch!!! grow up!Recommend
we appericate your work mate .. people who have been to those areas and have an idea of the efforts you putting in bringing some change to lives of people knows the truth .Media is all about spreading 90% of worst and any 10 & of good .
For those who really want to know the work of this man ,people who really want to know the efforts should know that this man is currently helping IDPs students of Ata Abad affectes in Rawalpindi by providing education , accommodation .
Great work Greg !!! We love You ! Keep It Up Recommend
Excellent work, Greg! Three Cups of Tea should be mandatory reading in all schools and colleges in Pakistan. Your account is fascinating, motivational and a glaring example of how just one person can change the destiny of thousands who would otherwise have no chance of breaking the shackles of poverty and injustice. And, by the way, about time someone did 60 minutes on 60 minutes! Recommend
Good job Greg!
You can never get rid of the criticism so just ignore it.Recommend
For some odd reason, people love to throw dirt on philanthropists, social workers, likes of Imran Khan, Greg Mortenson, etc… and I am not too sure why.
The only logical explanation I can come up with is that these people need to put these great men down to feel good about themselves. They are vultures who feed on others. They need to believe that no man is capable of such ‘goodness’ and therefore set out with the purpose of maligning their reputation…
But…
They never succeed.
Thank you Mr. Mortenson… You have done for Pakistan what most (if not none) Pakistanis have ever achieved. You put me and other Pakistanis like me to shame…
Thanks.Recommend
@Ajay:
Get your facts straight and language in check.
It was in Pakistan’s best interest to defeat the Soviets in Afghanistan… we started the resistance a year before Americans even knew what was going on… you better listen to the war heroes like Mr. Hamid Gul who was gifted a piece of the Berlin wall…
America is now giving us billions for using our bases, for using our border as supply routes, to make sure our economy does not collapse due to the war we are fighting for America may I add, for aiding the pak army with terrain-specific weaponry, etc. We are fighting their war, and billion dollars are freaking peanuts compared to the lives lost and sacrifices made by our nation.
Pakistan fully understands the dual policy of America and therefore will never lose China as its main ally… America is using us, and we using them… its a tit for tat relationship now.
Billions or not, truth is, America needs us much more than we need them.Recommend
Greg, You are truely dedicated, committed and professional towards his work, Keep it up.Recommend
Well where there were no schools, there are some now. If their have been certain wastages, CAI can look into them and chalk out a plan to reduce/eliminate them. I do not believe bringing down an hero will make more schools. Please continue with your work and do not be daunted by this.Recommend
@Ajay:
Did anyone ask to explain? Couldn’t you just let it go when someone makes a point about Pakistan.
Well, I think even if Greg taught a child ABC and wrote his “story”, I think it works because his book is helping communities around the world.Recommend
I have the Greg’s email in my inbox, from which a part is published here. I think Greg you need to clarify those accusations/questions in details, not because we don’t trust you but for putting the record straight & clear.
God bless you n get well soon !Recommend
@Adeel Ahmed:
Well said. Agreed cent petrcent.Recommend
@Ajay:
Congratulations!! What a spoon you are :D you should get the high level medal on your accurate spoonish act ;)Recommend
@tarek: Tarek makes some valid points. Would any one in the Mortimer Fan Club care to comment and shed some light on the inconsistancies.
Mr Mortimer perhaps you would like to address the questions that Tarek raises.Recommend
Greg!, yu must have seen how a good is appreciated BUT now you need to EXPLAIN….As they say “No FIRE – No SMOKE”. It would be big blow to all anthropologist if you don’t explicitly clear the facts.
@ Ajay … grow up man. Think beyond & out of hate. Recommend
Dr. Greg you deserve not only our donations but encouragement, sincere wishes, and good luck as you have done what we have not been able to do for our country. Even if you have opened half of what is claimed it is worth it.
Keep your chin up and keep doing the good work. Such propoganda is not new; it will keep on keeping back but to make you fly high. So keep flying high.Recommend
@Majeed: Very well spoken, If only the rest, and specially the kin of those Generals who today indulge in politics made their multi-millions from the proxy war of US Congress.
Have an iota of moral courage and integrity to admit that gross injustice has been done to
three nations in the 80s with the pretext of saving Islam.Recommend
Greg Bhai you are our hero! Just like Edhi sb and Imran Khan and TCF and so many others doing good work in Pakistan – we need you to start doing some serious fund raising and sharing your story with us in our language so that you have a wider audience to inspire! Keep up the good work and no need to clarify anything beyond what you’ve already said. This too shall pass… Recommend
Point still stands, Books not Bombs! Seems like some are threatened with that peaceful message.Recommend
Thank you Greg. We are with you 100%.Recommend
Greg,
At the appropriate time and after careful reflection, dispel these rumors. You owe that to those who admire your work.Recommend
I just read that the IRS is now investigating CAI. My guess is that Mr. Mortenson will be in jail for tax evasion before the first of May.Recommend
Greg,
No one is denying the value of building even one school (even if you get credit for 10) and the desire to use books to empower people. My problem with the book is greater than misappropriation of funds. My question is, if you were aware that parts of the book are fabricated and not the actual representation of the local folks, on what grounds did you promote it as required reading and the ultimate manual for any officers and special forces going into Pakistan and Afghanistan?
On what grounds do you conduct training sessions when you do not admitted confusing a Talib (word for student in Arabic) with the Taliban, misrepresented the Director of a Pakistani think-tank as a Taliban kidnapper? And you of course made sweeping statements full of paranoia about the entire Pakistani nation of 180m by saying every time you see someone in a trench coat you think of Pakistan and “suicide bombers”. Using “schools for girls” as the reason for justifying military occupation is unnecessary.
Many other organizations and individuals may be doing good quietly by building schools without trying to get credit for it from the whole world. I truly believe the image of Pakistan promoted in the book is doing way more damage to the country and people than 5 dysfunctional schools. Recommend
@Mir Agha:
Despite the title of the book, Greg supports military occupation of these regions, while at the same time showing some good is also being done by building schools. So his theory really is bombs, but with books.
3 cups of tea is a perfect Cinderalla story, with a white prince saving these subjugated people, thats the reason for its wide appeal. That is the reason why people are letting go of minor inconsistencies in story telling, without recognizing the large scale effect of Greg and all reader’s perception of these areas and their poor hence prone-to-terrorism people. Recommend
Please read Nosheeh Ali’s great analysis of the problem at hand, beyond the obvious misconduct:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/152507/three-cups-of-sincerity/Recommend
Asif, he would be terribly busted if he ever speaks in Pakistan. Do you really think we are so ignorant and illiterate and un interested in his work that no one ever allowed him to talk in Pakistan. he is most probably an undercover penetrating in the area he claim to work., Pak -Afghan border. How many times have you been there and actually know the situation there, and if you have really then I am not sure why you as so passionate. The book is great, his inspirational talks are motivating, but no the CAI operations need to correct its facts and books.Recommend
@Tarek, I so agree with you, look like there are either paid folks here, or blind in love!!!Recommend
Greg, I can only say-”thankyou for your dedication and bleeding heart for the needy”. May God bless youRecommend
Download and read the most detailed account of Greg Mortenson’s alleged lies and lavish spending in this report “Three Cups of Deceit” by Jon Krakauer at http://www.byliner.com and decide for yourself.
In my own opinion, using jets to travel through out USA to support his books (the revenues from the sales of which goes straight into his own pockets and not to CAI’s) and events (speaking in some of which he charged 30,000+ USD each that went directly to his own account), portraying the peaceful region of Gilgit-Baltistan as the hotbed of terrorism, letting US military personnel be part of the opening ceremonies of schools, not presenting receipts of his travel and other expenses EVER to CAI’s directors etc are acts of gross misconduct. Recommend
Le Mystique,
it is clear you have never read the books. They don’t potray Baltis/Pakistanis/Afghans/Muslims in any way that you seem to think.
Moreover, even 60 Minutes and Krakauer never charge that GM routinely uses private jets – just that he has done so on occasion. In my view, the use of jets was amply justified if it enabled him to make up to 5 appearances a day (torture for an agoraphobe – look it up).
Finally, even they acknowledge that close to half the money raised went directly to schools. GM has explained that 20M of the remainder went to an endowment to ensure the projects were viable after he and his high visibility left the scene.
Btw, how many of us could withstand a process whereby dogged enemies trolled through the past two decades of our lives, looking for enemies to say bad things about us.
And no, I dont work for CAI or have any affiliation with GM. I saw him speak once, and believe he is deeply sincere. If he wasnt, he could have taken his millions, and lived an easy life in Montana rather adhering to a gruelling schedule that keeps him away from his family for months at a time and has clearly destroyed his health.Recommend
I hope and pray your missteps, whether financial or due to ego or ignorance, were small. The results of your work has inspired so many of us and helped to offset the constant onus of terrorism and the horrors of war, including those perpetuated by our own US government. We are more hopeful because of your and CAI’s work. Thank you for helping and empowering so many young women: that in itself outweighs the criticism. Peace! Recommend
@Nizam Mahfooz: I think you do a disservice when you suggest Mr. Mortensen can take his millions and and live ” an easy life in Montana”. No he can’t. I think you forget that he is operating with donations from others for charity. Tax charitable donations are credited when donors file their yearly income tax returns.Moreover if you read his book, you would know that he was virtually penniless before he found his calling. I believe Mr. Motensen is genuine about his passion for education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. For this he deserves our support but this nonsense about him taking his millions and running off makes no sense when its not his money but donated for a charity. He would be charged if it is proven he ran off with donations. In the US as well as other Western countries, charities must be audited and must follow a set of guidelines. That’s not to say that many charities in the West are not frauds because they are exposed periodically. In the case of Mr. Mortensen, he has countered his accusations well but it appears his most vocal critics are in the United States where he gets the donations.Recommend
So what happened @ the Journalist’s murdered in Libya? Pakistan seems to have to many excuses to offer? CIA /foreign interference etc etc. The fact is Pakistani’s need to wake up and get rid of the the bogies NOW. My fariend’s paid too much blood/sweat and dollar’s to get “create ” Pakistan. Now the Wahbi’s rule!Recommend
In November and December of 2005 I spent a few weeks in Pakisten helping with earthquake relief. In both the villages of the Northwest Frontier Province that I worked with I was told by the village elders that only a few of the boys in the area went to school, and none of the girls. Having two daughters myself, my heart broke as I thought of the precious girls of that area having little or no chance of obtaining an education.
I was thrilled when I learned of Greg Mortenson’s work. I left a piece of my heart in the mountains of Pakistan and am happy to be able to help support CAI and their work and will continue to do so. One of my daughters is a an elementary teacher and the other an RN. Because of Greg’s work, there are Pakistani girls who are able to do what my daughters did. Thank you Greg, and keep your chin up!Recommend
Ignorant of how the CAI manages its charity funds, and whether the stories he told were right or wrong, we appreciate the good work CAI team is doing in hard and remote areas in this region.
We see it is visible on ground, though very small compared to the government and others, and addressing mostly ‘missing servies’, but as they say, small is beatiful. For example if the government or any other large edcuational provider has provided a school 10-20 years back, and the school and community wants to upgrade it, and they have no funds to pay for two extra rooms or salary of two teachers, and if this instantly comes from CAI without any red tapes, this is a great help to the community.
One problem with us is we only are used to appreciate big donor agencies and donor funded projects working with star office complexes, fleets of vehicles, corps of high paid expat staffs and consultants, working in a complex system, without actually addressing the small unmet needs of the communities and the unfortunate amongst them.
There are few like Greg who work in this region, singlehandedly with grassroots communities, often with no office, no staff and even no sign boards. As all human beings and institutions err, they might have too, but i think, this should not discourage Greg and his CAI team and they should learn from this experience, and move forward. People need their support in those hard areas, who have no voice, no representation in decision making both in government and the large development agencies working in the area, and they live in abject poverty, fear and helplessness, especially after the recent disasters in many areas, like the upper Hunza is cut off for almost 15 months. CAI should continue work directly with all these community institutions like village and women organizations, local support organizations and other local civil society groups.
While, Greg may have erred (still to be proved under law) in managing charity funds in accordance with US laws and moral standards, and may have romanticed his story with sales pitch, lets be honest that his work has helped many people in the mountains, and after publication of his two books, the fact that peace could only come through education and development may be gaining alot of currency in a war mongering US establishment and think tanks, and a good projection of the soft image of this region.
As they say, look at the glass half full.Recommend