Why did so many men and women initially listen to the mullah? Are there any comparisons that you can make to history or to today?

You are referring to Fazlullah? If so, when he arrives in the valley, his teachings hold true to the Quran, and as a result, he gains a large amount of support speaking on his radio program. Over time, his message transforms to a message of control rather than that of religious teaching, but by the time this begins to become apparent, the people of Swat have come to trust him. Later, when the message of control becomes completely obvious, the Taliban have already become a natural part of life in the valley.

The second part of your question calls for your opinion.