Given the care and detail in Krakauer's reporting over the years, I find it difficult to believe he's wrong about Mortenson.

That is one weak explanation! He's done. As a Bozeman resident I am ashamed that we are again being displayed as fraud, Finkel and now Mortenson.....wow. Call it fiction people, its that simple!

My kids had to read his book at school. Respectable effort and cause but I'm troubled by his claiming to be an "introverted bad manager" unable to stand up to his co-author and yet can hold 5 speaking engagements a day. I also can't sympathize with his challenging work schedule while untold hundreds of thousands (millions?) in book sales are being made in the name of charity. He reminds me of a misguided televangist-fraud who casually forgot why he's doing all this in the first place.

I give Greg the benefit of the doubt. I am disappointed that the book isn't as true as I'd like. Maybe that's the way books are written. While 60 minutes has a job to do, they are sharks. I'm glad to see the interview above in response. Greg is not out to hurt anyone. The man has a big heart and works tirelessly. That doesn't excuse the management side of running CAI and the issues with schools being built. But I still believe in the cause and hope Greg can continue it.

Mortenson's accomplishments are unique. In addition to building many schools and educating many girls and boys, he has changed the framework with which our military approach their difficult task in an area of the world full of complexity. He started this work before September 11 and his prominence is due to that tragedy that focused America's attention on this part of the world. Is he absolutely perfect, clearly no, but his accomplishments far outweigh his imperfections

@Tic Really? So, he's a lost cause because the facts aren't as clean as you'd like? He has given more back to this world and humanity than I ever have or will. I haven't heard of him having million dollar birthday parties at the Ritz Carlton or driving around in 500k dollar Bentley's, have you? Krakauer made his millions off the dead: McCandless, Tillman, Rob Hall, et al. Greg is working hard for the living. Christ-does everyone have to be Jesus Jr in this world to make what they do do relevant

The irony here is that Krakauer and 60 Min are alleging that a guide's story of what happened in the mountains is embellished. Wha?!! No way! As for the financial discrepancy, it makes perfect sense. For anyone not paying attention, the way you run this scam is: 1. Become a mountain climber. 2. Work in the poorest place on earth to establish your street cred. 3. Build school for girls where everyone hates you, schools, and girls. 4. Write bestseller. 5. Cash in. Simple. How'd we mi

Managing a non-profit is challenging. Trusting someone else to do it in a developing country is worse. I saw Mortenson speak recently. He really is an extremely introverted and shy guy. I respect Krakauer's reporting, but Mortenson isn't denying vital bits. Having a 100% accurate account wasn't his goal with this book. It was to raise awareness for his cause, and it succeeded. Fam, 100s of commitments, and $$ shuffling int'ly; that's a lot to keep track of. Anyone could easily get screwed.

Just wanted to say - Right on Lola for your comment, nothing to add to it...

Just wanted to say - Right on Lola, nothing to add to your comment...

I'm with BC- if this was a get rich quick plan, Mortenson isn't too bright. I wonder if I cold get rich passing out Korans in the Bible Belt?

Who cares what facts were 100% accurate in the book? The only fact that matters is that Greg has brought a lot of positive attention to an area that desperately needs it, has raised millions of dollars and educated tens of thousands of kids, especially girls! He deserves to be paid more than Lady Gaga or Shaq & shouldn't be criticized for his writing skills, he is a humanitarian first, author second. I made a donation to CAI today to support him!

I have followed Greg's story for many years. He has come to the school where I teach, donated books to the community and to my young impressionable students. Personally, his story inspired me to teach abroad in Asia and work with orphans in Cambodia. If I had never met him or read his books, there is no doubt in my mind that I would not have moved out of my comfort zone and participated in a larger life. This "shark" mentality is not what the world needs in order to heal. Shame on you Mr. K!

89 pages of Krakauer dissecting Mortenson can be found here: http://byliner.com/

Thanks for Greg's response. What CAI does speaks loudly to so many. From the start, mission always came first for Greg. CAI grew exponentially while Greg focused on mission, even letting his own health suffer. Let's give CAI time to work on structure while not forgetting why so many of us support Greg & CAI's mission to promote peace one school at a time. Greg has given so much certainly we can give back by waiting as this is sorted out. Let's find ways to help not hurt!

After reading Three Cups of Tea 3 years ago, I took my 5 children to hear Greg speak in Cleveland - about 4 hours from our home. He is an example of the difference one person can make in our world - truly an inspiration for our future generations. His message of educating our children especially girls in order to affect a community is the answer to promoting peace. Hopefully people will listen to what Greg has to say instead of believing a one sided ratings seeking story. Peace be with you.

I met Greg Mortenson here in Bend, OR and I have also done work with another orgnization in Kasmir that knows Greg and speak very highly of him. Krakauer maybe is looking to write another book. I do question the timing. Greg as done alot of work to help people and here we have Krakauer, who as he helped but himself, right. Greg as my support, he has a big heart and works hard.

"Who cares about 100% accuracy?" The problem is that once credibility becomes a commodity all kinds of policies can seem justified. That's how we ended up in Iraq: WMD. That was another "sincere lie" used to motivate people who had no eyewitness access themselves. Note that the "goal" is not the real problem: replacing Saddam was desirable (just not by war, IMO). But how can we let our leaders lie to us even for goals we support? Action for social justice depends on trusting our leaders.

@ Slick "Who cares about 100% accuracy?" Obviously not Krakauer. http://www.salon.com/wlust/feature/1998/08/cov_03feature2.html People in glass houses.....

I'm all about honesty and truth in media, advertising, etc. But aren't we harpooning the wrong person here?? You are talking about a man who has inspired millions of people, built schools for children (particularly girls) in an area that may not otherwise have access to education. Oh, but the kidnappers said they didn't kidnap him?!?! I'm pretty sure that's what all kidnappers say -- and if i was transported with a bag over my head after relinquishing my passport, "kidnap" is the word I'd use.

@Lola...Thanks for completely missing my point.

@Slick I wasn't slamming you..I was agreeing with you!

why aren't all the funds from the book and his speaking engagements going to the non-profit? if CAI is paying for advertising and travel why aren't they receiving the proceeds? alternatively, if he wants to keep all the money and just make contributions to CAI he should be footing his own bills for travel and advertising. perhaps he would be paying out of his own pocket to help CAI but that is why he set it up, right? honestly, i trust krakauer more than mortenson. it's just sad.

I see that the board of directors failed to maintain more clear financial structure (note: it's their job to attend to financial structure), and failed to concentrate on risk management. I see no fundamental deceit or manipulation being conveyed through CAI or Mr. Mortenson. It's not an either/or scenario. Krakauer, through his opinions, has just proven that he doesn't understand nonprofit management. CAI should be improved, not maligned. Shame on Mr. K.

As a nonprofit founder, someone gave me Three Cups of Tea hoping it would inspire me to keep moving ahead. I found the book disturbing, mostly for the way he ran his nonprofit. I care a great deal about running a great nonprofit biz and its stories like these that hurt our sector. He may be visionary and inspiring, but he is incompetent. When you raise $8 mill in a month, there is no excuse for such lax financial management. The nonprofits I know do much more with so much less $ or fame.

SHAME ON YOU 60 min and your so called journalists. Here is a man doing good and all you can do is nitpick his writing, and use underhanded means to attack him? You try doing what he's done this past decade before you pass judgement on him! I would bet there are plenty of skeletons in the 60 minutes vault worth exploiting; Go clean your own closets first!

Who cares about the EXACT this and that...The point is that this guy is out there doing what the majority of us are too lazy and self-absorbed (myself included) to do...educate children in extremely dangerous and impoverished situations. I say hallelujah for the Gregs of the world. And while we're on the topic Krakauer's no saint. Greg you have my support and my money.

@ Aspen, I, too, run a nonprofit, and agree that fiduciary structure has not been well-managed. However, the CAI board must respond to this. Visionary leaders need strong infrastructure support. I know I need my board team to govern appropriately. CAI produces outstanding results in places where people would as soon butcher an American as welcome them. Deriding CAI is not an appropriate response. Identifying what needs to be improved and doing it is. Greg has earned the right to be supported.

@ Aspen, I, too, run a nonprofit, and agree that fiduciary structure has not been well-managed. However, the CAI board must respond to this. Visionary leaders need strong infrastructure support. I know I need my board team to govern appropriately. CAI produces outstanding results in places where people would as soon butcher an American as welcome them. Deriding CAI is not an appropriate response. Identifying what needs to be improved and doing it is. Greg has earned the right to be supported.

Krakauer's article is now on the web. It is lengthy, detailed & well documented. The allegations are serious and they go beyond problems with facts. It seems clear that the CAI, if it survives, will have to remove Mortensen & the two other board members asap. It also looks like Mortensen and some of his CAI associates will be the subject of fraud and tax investigations. I think that his lasting legacy will will be damage to the public's trust in charities.

Let me add, having read Krakauer's article, that I am not surprised that Mortensen is now blaming his co-writers for the blatant fabrications in his books.

Have you shared Gregs story with a child? Greg is an inspiration and a hero. Children are inspired by Greg. They share their pennies with Greg. Pennies for Peace. Greg you have made this world a better place and are inspiring a new generation of peace makers. You will always have my families support.

How do you feel about 41 cents of every donated dollar to CAI going to building schools, and the other 59 cents going to advertising and travel to give talks? Greg agreed that this is the case. This is terrible management for a non-profit and it sounds like Greg just started to correct it when he realized the exposes were in the works. No one is saying the cause is wrong. Educating girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan is awesome. People are just pointing out that Greg may have feet of clay.

From Eric -6 years old Greg Mortenson is fun,cool, smart, thoughtful and cares about kids. He told me I was his hero and I say he is mine. People should think about all the kids who love him. Eric

Greg Mortenson is one of my very few heros. What is the point of this? Just to tear down an amazing person who is trying to do the right thing against incredible odds? I don't buy it - I think this is just a hachet job to get ratings. Shame on 60 Minutes, Shame on Jon Krakauer & Shame on us for not demanding more from outselves - to destroy a person is serious, but to destroy a vision - that education of girls is the answer to violence - is just pathetic..

If you ever met Greg and have any insight into humanity, you would realize this guy hasn't a fraud bone in his body! It's not part of his unsophisticated philosophy of life. He's being crucified (not so unlike what Christians commemorate this Holy Week) . How dare any of us stand in judgment and throw stones..

"...to destroy a person is serious..." Yes, it is. Mortenson should have thought of that before he decided to brand a man who Peter Bergen and others say is a reputable scholar as a Taliban terrorist. Now he, and probably the CAI, are going to be sued for defamation, and they are likely to wind up paying the man against whom they made this false, outrageous allegation a great deal of money. Mr. Mortenson has destroyed himself.

I don't think Greg could have done a worse job than his co-author....the writing was abismal, so in retrospect Greg really should have written the book or at the very least stuck to his guns. Yes, he should have focused on the book but he had no way of knowing it would be the seller that it was/is. The literary license taken was a huge error that will certainly overshadow his big heart and what he has been able to accomplish. I always did think he was a bit of a dunce, sad to be proven right.

Greg Mortenson is an amazing human being. I've met him, his family, and people that work closest with him. He is incredibly humble, shy, and EXTREMELY HARDWORKING! For those that have never met Greg nor spent time with him, I would encourage great caution before handing out judgment against CAI or Greg. ALSO, if you have yet to handle your own non-profit for education in 3rd world/war torn countries, then you really need to take a step back. Rewarding but almost impossible work! Kudos to Greg!

I'm just wondering if Greg Mortenson is not making multiple accounts and praising himself. This is unbelievable. As in Afghan for years and years I knew he was a fraud. Year and years I knew his story was fake. I nor the Afghan journalists did not have the funding to go after him. Thank goodness for 60 minutes. Why are people so gullible. So what if the story moved you? So what if your child liked it, it doesn't make it true!! That fact is he lied.

This is appalling. I can't believe the comments I'm reading. As an Afghan I knew his story was fake. I knew it was impossible, but yet I read these comments for his false claims. My Afghan friends and I knew for years he was lying. My Afghan journalists went after him asking questions about the money and school and he stopped replying. A guilty man does not run. Who cares if the story made you feel good. Who cares if it was a well written novel. He used the Afghan and Pakistani pple!

Greg has changed the lives of so many people. Most people hope in their lives to touch one person. Greg has touched the lives of millions. Are we to forget all of that because people are so quickly gravitating towards drama and rumors? He addressed every question that was brought to him and with grace and humility. Can we ask for anything more than that? I have known him and seen his heart. I count myself blessed for that alone.

I just read Greg's interview w/Outside, and find him completely credible and honest about how this all unfolded. I think it's interesting that Jon Krakauer is attacking him, considering that Jon's version of the Everest deaths (Into Thin Air) was later challenged by the lead sherpa; after which Krakauer acknowledged his misrepresentations about his and others' roles that night. He admitted not being the hero he first portrayed himself to be. Classic case of projection of his own guilt onto Greg.

Why now? Krakauer's timing and objective seem suspect. He's a savvy & smart reporter so no doubt truths lurk in what he's uncovered. Yes, Mortenson (and his co-author) should have stuck closer to the truth. And he should have done a better job managing CAI finances. But is it truly worth slaying Mortensen and undermining all of the tremendous good he has accomplished home and abroad? Is it more important to prove that Lance lied about doping or let him continue to be an effective crusader?

This whole thing just feeds disillusionment... truth and lies and "literary license." And now debate as to the importance of truth. Yeesh. Now it's nearly impossible to judge the situation. I will, however, give Mr. Mortenson the benefit of the doubt and wait for the whole mess to play out.

I see no issues here. Most non-profits spend at least %50 of their money on getting people to give money - because we are not compassionate people - we have to be 'sold' on why we should give. It's just stupid. If Greg didn't travel and speak and fly on private jet planes - A. the kids in Afghanistan wouldn't have schools - B. He wouldn't see his own family. C. He has the money to do it. There is nothing wrong here. Greg - keep up the good work. You have set a very bar high for the rest of u

OkThen -- NGOs typically spend more money on organizational costs than on field work. Read "Kabul in Winter" and you'll realize that Mortenson's organization probably spends a higher proportion on actual field activities than do other NGOs in that region. Connie G -- not sure if you're the one to be judging who's "abismal" at writing. A little more spell-checking and less ABYSMAL criticism, please.

Perhaps one day we'll know the whole truth. Meanwhile, look at all the good that Mortenson has zccomplished and inspired. What have his detractors Krakauer and "60 Minutes" done for the poor or world peace?

Central Asia is a world unto itself. I admire Greg for raising awareness of the people there, especially the girls. Few people have given us Westerners understanding of the nuances of tribal life, and it is probably Greg's very personality that allowed him to succeed there, that has kept him from being a slave to facts and figures here at home. Probably one big reason, we in the West can't handle war in Afghanistan.

>>look at all the good that Mortenson has zccomplished [sic] and inspired. What have his detractors Krakauer and "60 Minutes" done for the poor or world peace? VH, you and many others here evidently to not value truth. Others do, and they mean to share it.

I am in the middle of Stones to Schools and I am very disheartened to learn of this controversy, especially considering the respect I have for Krakauer. I am giving Greg the benefit of the doubt, as there is no question that his heart was at least initially in the right place and he has accomplished a great deal along the way. Hopefully he will be vindicated and hopefully we as Americans will eventually learn to build relationships as Greg did in his books, whether fact or fiction

You went too easy on Greg: how can he explain the photo of him waving around an AK 47 in the middle of his supposed kidnappers you should have gone more in depth about the testimony from the expert on charitable contribution who has spent his working life anaylising ngos and charities who found Greg and CAI defintely suspect. I taught in a Tibetan refugee school in Northern India and I periodically raise money for the school. All the money is sent to India....There is no 59% rake off the top.

Greg is a man who has done more good for more people than anyone else I know. Yes, he's fallible. But the work that CAI is doing literally transforms lives. I found his account here credible and will continue to support CAI.

Two minor take-aways from Three Cups of Tea: 1) an amazing story, horribly written; 2) an amazing person who's frank and open about his weaknesses (like poor management skills). Krakauer's "discoveries" are like going to Seattle and discovering rain. Mortenson does an excellent job answering all these accusations, I think it's Krakauer's time to do some explaining.

The comments on this thread absolving Mortenson for lying about the very facts that enabled his subsequent good works surprised me. How can anyone cheer Mortenson right now, as if *he* is the victim? Then I remembered: it's human nature to treat such radical dissonance - the new, horrid truth vs. what we thought was true - by making excuses for it. So I can understand why people don't want to believe this news after reading Three Cups to their children, etc. But then you gotta wake up.

I am a journalist who was in northern Pakistan with Greg Mortenson in 1998, years before he received any press for what he was doing. I'm of the opinion that he has done far more good than harm in the world -- which not many people can say. Here's why I think that the 60 Minutes piece is weak tea, at best, and poison at worst. http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-⿿-and-wrong/

Sorry, the link from comment below was incorrect: http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-⿿-and-wrong/

Regardless of how much people try to bring Mortenson down, there are people like me who know deep down that he is a GOOD person, dedicated to the unglamorous task of promoting social justice in hostile environments. He may not be perfect, but he has a GOOD HEART, and in my opinion, that's what matters most. He would be a hero even if built only three schools. I wonder how much of the resources that were spent "investigating" this story could have been used to improve people's lives.

Four years ago I visited several of Greg Mortenson's schools in remote parts of Pakistan's Baltistan and Azad Kashmir - and they are real. They are the only schools in their areas (the govt schools that are supposed to be there exist only on paper) I don't know if Three Cups takes liberties with the truth of Mortenson's own story but the I am not sure it matters: he has made a huge difference to many people. What has Krakauer ever done for anyone else?

Confirmation that the schools are real regardless of the truth of the kidnapping story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3671228/Pakistan-Free-to-learn.html

Greg Mortenson Redefines "Doing One's Best": http://www.ethancasey.com/2011/04/greg-mortenson-redefines-doing-ones-best/

People seem keen on black-and-white labels: if Greg has done any wrong,they label him "a fraud." Get real! There are a lot of characters in-between "saint" and "villain." From exposure to his books,a talk,& interviews,I think despite his flaws,Greg is on the heroic end of the spectrum, and we have much to learn from him. The whining about percentage spent on fundraising blows my mind. I very much doubt Greg would be able to raise as much for schools if he took a cheaper approach to fundraising

Take the 1-2 hours necessary to read Krakauer's riveting e-book, currently available free online. As someone who has read both of Greg's books, attended one of his lectures, and been a regular donor to CAI, I found Krakauer's investigation riveting--and no doubt true. It's not just a matter of the book not being "as true as I'd like". It's a matter of the mismanagement of millions of dollars, as well as the resignation of frustrated board members, financial officers, and staff people.

As the founders and executive director of SchoolsforSalone.org, a small non-profit that builds and supports schools in Sierra Leone, West Africa, regardless of the facts, Greg Mortenson has been instrumental in promoting the importance of every child having the right to go to school, to learn to read and write - especially girls.

Krakauer, what a hypocrite you are. Your books are now off my shelf.

For your perusal-re Krakauer and "Into Thin Air" http://www.salon.com/wlust/feature/1998/08/cov_03feature.html ."..the book has been under almost constant sniper fire from a small and close-knit group of climbers, a few of whom were on Everest in 1996, who dispute some of his book's facts and interpretations."

Until proven otherwise, I believe & fully support Mortenson and appreciate his work and vision. He readily admits his faults and shortcomings. This whole mess with Krakauer and 60 Minutes is unseemly and distasteful. Such a shame too, because I enjoyed both author's books, but am now questioning Krakauer's motives and timing.

I am torn between my great admiration for all the wonderul work that Greg Mortenson has done and my love of Jon Krakauer's writing. The issues raised by Krakauer and 60 Minutes seem minor when framed against the backdrop of how much good work Mortenson has done for so many people. He sacrificed for years before "3 cups" hit it big, so I can't question his motives. However, it's quite easy to question what motivates 60 Min., which is financial (ratings = $). I'm still left puzzled by Krakauer.

Krakauer's very detailws report is devastating. Mortenson's interview with Outside doesn't even begin to address all the various serious issues raised by 60 Minutes and Krakauer. Reading over these comments I find it odd that so many people so passionately defend someone who has certainly lied and deceived supporters of his worthwhile project to educate Afghan girls. He killed the goose that laid the golden egg.

I think Greg and his hard core 'I don't care if he is a scam artist" fan club are missing something.CBS may be trying to hype their ratings and Jon K.trying to sell books but they, from all available evidence are telling the truth As a former school teacher I know how important truth is to small children.As they grow older and learn that 6 of 10 of their pennies did not go to build in schools and stories that nice man told them was basically untrue this will be a small negative on their lives

I think Matthew has it right. I'm sure Mortenson isn't a saint, something he never claims to be. Regardless, there is more than enough proof that he has done tremendous work and the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan have benefited from that work. He is very honest that mistakes were made but they seem to pale in comparison to the good that was, and continues to be accomplished. For those who are upset his book isn't 100% truthful, I doubt an autobiography exists that is.

If he's been misappropriating funds, I say he deserves to be crucified. If he's a dumbass about business and finances, and was more focused on doing the work instead of looking at the bottom line, I really don't believe he deserves all this vitriol. I'm inclined to believe he's just a shitty businessman. I choose to believe he hasn't been disingenuous until proven otherwise. I'd like to see him and CAI get the help they need to keep going. The world is in a better place because of him.

Compensation and literary license aside, if what Jon Krakauer reports is true, Greg Mortenson is no longer effectively promoting education in Pakistan or Afghanistan. As is reported by the ex-staff of CAI and also Ted Callahan, Mortenson's well intentioned efforts have become ineffective due to poor management and communication both within CAI and in the regions where he is trying to promote education. The question is whether or not CAI and Greg are really meeting the needs of the regi

I am sure as is pointed out by several, that Mortenson, like most of us, is a flawed person. I do not question his motives, what I do questions is his unwillingness to heed the advice of those who were very close to him and passionately interested in furthering the work of education in the AF/Pak region. He admits that he is a poor manager, and yet refused the advice of multiple people on the CAI board of directors. As a poor manager, he must learn to listen if he wants CAI to succeed

Not for profits are often used as money laundries and slush funds. The usual rule of thumb in judging a charity's ethics and efficiency is to deal only with charities that allocate somewhere around 15% or perhaps a bit more of total income to overhead (and spend 85% on real good works). Not 50% to the bureaucracy (so-called "educational activities" are marketing, not good works) and 50% to good works, as someone above claims to be ethical and reasonable. 50/50 is a typical commercial type deal.

I think Mortensen was and is completely out of his depth of competency, but not a criminal. He sounds whiney, but if audits are taking place, then he is trying to put things right. I totally get how he must feel ambushed by all this. International aid is the most complex and difficult work to engage in and the whole endeavor is fraught with compromise. The lessons are 1: Get professional help. 2: Trust, but verify. 3: Give locally whenever possible.

I think Mortensen was and is completely out of his depth of competency, but not a criminal. He sounds whiney, but if audits are taking place, then he is trying to put things right. I totally get how he must feel ambushed by all this. International Aid is complex and difficult work to engage in and the whole endeavor is fraught with compromise. The lessons from this are: 1: Get professional help. 2: Trust, but verify. 3: Give locally whenever possible.

I read Krakauer's account of trying to find the facts in Mortenson's story and the facts about where all the money has gone. I have seen Mortenson speak, admired him and donated to the schools I thought he was building. Now, I think he is creep and I would never donate another dollar to him or CAI. I will donate to CAI in the future if they sever all ties with Mortenson and are 100% transparent in their accounting.

Nonprofits attempting to do good in unstable, underdeveloped, war torn countries have long been stalled by corruption, graft, the (shocking to Westerners) concept of truth as a malleable thing, flip flopping loyalties, and flat out con jobs. It would be surprising if CAI had NOT had encounters with these difficulties.

IMO, Krakauer never lets facts stand in the way of a good story. Many reputable climbers involved in the rescue effort during the "Into Thin Air" climb have disputed his version of events, and "Under the Banner of Heaven" includes inaccuracies about the history of Mormonism. In both books, he portrays himself as a truth-seeker by including some unsavory, but totally true, facts to besmirch his subjects, giving him license to then include falsehoods. He just can't stop spinning a good yarn.

I hope that everyone that's commenting has read Jon Krakuer's article, and are not just basing their opinions on the 60 minutes episode, which barely touched the issues. Mortenson has been advised continually, for over a decade, to get his financial records in order, and has repeatedly refused. This shows, not just a lack of management skill, but a complete disregard for the people who have made donations and the people who are supposed to benefit from them. The whole thing is repulsive.

Yeah, hadn't read the Krakauer article before I commented earlier. I still maintain most of what I said, but he's got some explaining to do on the financial end of things. However, as some have ascertained, I don't think Krakauer is just looking for a book deal. He's a well established and successful writer. I think he really is truly upset over the discrepancies. It seems there is an overall issue with the transparency and accountability of NPOs. We need a NPO to monitor the NPOs. Ha!

My intent is not to address Mortenson's writings--their truth is not relevant to evaluate the management of CAI. To all of the commenters who justify Mortenson's misappropriation of funds with his kindness and dedication to the cause I ask you to think about the case of Bernie Madoff. Most of those who were the victims of Madoff's fraud were convinced--100% certain--that they were beneficiaries of his kindness and dedication to his cause until his Ponzi scheme collapsed.

Tina... please tell us what part of the FLDS he misrepresented or got wrong. You are making a claim without backing it up... not very good for a supposed journalist yourself! .

Put yourself in his shoes. He is all about doing good in this world. It isn't easy tackling the issues he faces. It takes money to make money. (Also - read the fine print- all of the dollars reported going out of CAI weren't all supporting Greg). The money that is used to support his personal fund raising efforts is an INVESTMENT with a great RETURN. Hmmm...(CAI thinking)...."If we give someone $100,000 to speak and sell books AND promote us, we can get $200,000 in donations! Not bad....

Mortenson is a classic sociopath who got caught. Now we are to feel sorry for him. That doesn't cut it.

It is hard to question a man who has, by the words of his biggest detractors, done so much good for so many but ask yourself this: If Ms. Oh Eun-Sun is fair game for her many and poorly documented climbing exploits... exploits that have both made her money and given her the chance to do charitable work in the Himilayas... how come not Mortenson? He has raised more money than Ms. Oh but how much money does one have to raise to be beyond fair criticism?

Hang in there Greg! You are doing the best you can. People will be people, they LOVE headlines. Next week it will be someone else, and you can get your house in order. Those who care about the work you are doing will ultimately discover the truth.

International Aid is complex and difficult work. Let's all take a deep breathe and let the audits, not the media, sort it out. As far as the discrepencies in his stories, well that IS literarly license and the tricks of memory. Who cares if he went once, or twice or three times?! It's the intention of the story and the them that is important. I, personally, have to wonder what Jon K.'s game is, but then he's planning his out show that will be out soon and scandle always "sells."

I never said FLDS was misrepresented, but rather some facts of the early history of the mainstream Mormon Church. There are several blogs & book reviews dedicated to correcting those inaccuracies if you care to look for them. And who ever said I was a journalist? I certainly didn't.

Well, what is CBS hoping to gain from this "expose"? From personal experience I can vouch for the fact that shows like 60 Minutes and the Today Show have a lot more than the "truth" in mind. They want to boost their ratings, and do manipulate facts and people to create the most compelling narrative. And yet, they act like they are a gift to humanity from the Divine! I could give a hoot about the details of Greg's travels. The result of his work is what inspires me. I can't say the same for CBS.

Mortenson's story about Korphe still doesn't wash. He says that the trail splits and if your go left (north) you get to Askole and if you go right (south) you wind up in Korphe. That's true, but only if your are heading TOWARD Biafo Glacier, not coming back as he was. I've been there. The trail does not split when you are coming back (i.e. heading west) from Biafo and the other glaciers. You'd also have to cross a raging river to get to Korphe, something you wouldn't forget. His story is false.

@Lilith A, I was thinking narcissistic personality, but you may be right. He has done some good work, and built some good schools. Imagine how many more schools CAI could have built, how many teachers they could have trained, and how many children could have been educated, had he not misused donations for so long. The stories are preposterous, but I care that thousands CAI donations were used to buy his own books so that HE would make more money off of the sales, etc.

Krakauer ought to be ashamed of himself. Krakauer's particular mission is self-aggrandizement, if you ask me. In this world of apocalypse and horror, for Krakauer to try to bring down a man such as Mortenson who has made such herculean efforts to bring hope and compassion to those in dire need is despicable. The lengths to which Mortenson has gone to build schools and bring people together for that purpose is so inspiring! Now, thanks to Krakauer, some would rather throw away that hope.

It seems that there are many people commenting here who haven⿿t actually read Jon Krakauers⿿s article at http://byliner.com/ and are missing the vital points entirely. Stretching the bounds of non-fiction is one thing, running a charity as your own private slush, as it seems Greg has done, is another. The people who are down on Jon for his expose should know that he himself donated $75,000.00 of his own money to CAI in the early days.

There is no doubt that CAI has done dome good work. Jon had to make a difficult decision whether to blow the whistle on Greg or not. A number of hard working directors who resigned from CAI over the years because of Greg⿿s refusal to allow financial transparency had to wrestle with this difficult decision too. It⿿s about time someone spoke up.

there⿿s something called a confidence trick. Have you heard the term? The first two, three, four years, you do well and you⿿re reliable and accountable. Then you try some grafting and see what the response is. Maybe it⿿s nothing, or it might be hard. Then you put in the real whammy and take people to the cleaners. Greg Mortenson in his own words in this article talking about someone else ⿿ I guess.

http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-⿿-and-wrong/

Insightful: http://danielglick.net/2011/04/

When you do work that challenges the status quo - not to mention the global military-industrial complex - you will be targeted. There are those who would breathe easier with the demise of CAI and its efforts to educate the masses. It is likely that CAI⿿s most visible detractors don⿿t even know they⿿re being used. Not to be a conspiracy theorist or anything, but ⿿ who owns CBS? And who leans on the owners?

For those that haven't read krakauer's article, you owe it to yourself and the rest of us before commenting further. It's obvious, most have not. Get both sides of this before you appoint yourself as an expert. I've read Greg's books and Krakauer's books as well as the byliner article (which Jon is giving away for free) and now Greg's weak response, I would expect that Mortenson will soon face the music with the IRS. Charlie Sheen, Barry Bonds, Rod Bladgoevich, there's a new kid in town!

In case you haven't noticed, Jon Krakaeur has made a FORTUNE story-telling off of others miseries. What's so damn noble about that? Did he not have any other misfortunes to cash-in on that the only idea that he could come up with is to throw his former friend under the bus? Apparently not. Shame on you Krakaeur, CBS, and byliner.com!

@Spike Numerous people, myself included, have been asking people to read the article before commenting. As you stated, it's obvious that people still aren't.

I would recommend reading Greg's response, the CAI Board's response, and the financial statements posted on ikat.org website. I think it is a hell of a lot more insightful the the one-sided Krakauer piece that he is so selfishly "giving away" for free.

We should be interested to find that the CAI board is made up of only Mortenson and 2 loyalists who are the only board members who haven't quit over his "personal ATM" approach to handling donated funds. These remaining board member's are the equivalent of the fox guarding the henhouse. Anyone at CAI who would tell the truth about Greg Mortenson has long ago left in disgust.

Sadly, it does seem that Krakauer's work is hard to refute. He quotes extensively from emails and memos from named people (not anonymous), both Americans and Pakistanis, who give credible examples of how much of Mortenson's persona is fabricated. My hunch is that Mortenson was looking for a cause and a way to emulate his father's excellent work in Tanzania. He stumbled on the need for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Yet later he veered into narcissism and wanted to be a Mother Teresa.

I can't condone the fabrications/embellishments but I won't condemn the guy outright either. However, taking money, a lot of money from the charity to promote his book is WRONG. He wrote a book, he told his story, he was entitled to the revenue. The charity is separate, for helping people. To use donor money for his book promotion demonstrates he could not have the kids interest on the top of the list. It's called GREED!

We have many examples of good people, with all the best intentions, sometimes come to believe that they are "gifts to humanity," and that anything they say or do is justified in the name of the greater good. I read Three Cups of Tea, and went to hear him speak in S. Calif. I took along a friend, who had not read the book. He found the lecture to be self-serving and did not feel he learned much about education in Pakistan/Afghanistan. Should $4.6M per year be spent on these lectures???

"He reminds me of a misguided televangist-fraud who casually forgot why he's doing all this in the first place." Bingo. .

I am wondering why Krakauer and others are bringing it to light now. JK knew something was amiss in 2004 when his pulled his CAI support. Maybe he could not stand the book sales and $ gossip any longer, anyhow I would like to hear his reason for the timeline. Poorly run organization that should have had a wake up call when Whiltsie and Hornbein quit. Nothing worse than a climber with a big idea of themselves when they get somewhat famous, Krakauer included. Dirtbags in sheep's clothing.

It is obvious to me that CAI, Mortenson, and the book "Three Cups of Tea" are to a large extent coterminous with each other. Hence, spending money to promote the book (which probably yields Mortenson a paltry royalty of 25 to 50 cents per copy when sold) IS essentially promoting CAI and is probably one of the most cost effective ways of both getting the word out on CAI and getting donations to it. In theis light, the allegation that somehow it is improper to promote the book seems ridiculous.

In the end, Krakauer is the person who is acting small-minded, unethical, and rather dysfunctional. Who absolutely cares about the picayune details from Mortenson's 18-year memory about events, just so long as the main thrust is there? I, for one, really and honestly do not care. I love what Mortenson has done in the world! He has always admitted not being a good writer, not being a good businessman. It's an exciting personal MEMOIR! It's about inspiration, hope, the future, change, peace.

Reading Mortenson's interview/response, it has the ring of truth to me, much more so than Krakauer's piece. His responses to the charges are direct and credible. Time will tell, but I think Krakauer tripped up on this one. Given the book-level detail of his piece, you would think that he would contact Mortenson sooner than he did, and through proper channels (his publicist), and through written channels such as registered mail. To me the Krakauer piece is the one that seems suspicious.

If one was to believe Krakauer's allegations one has to ask what has Greg gained out of all of this? He has spent 18 years of his life living in the most basic of conditions in a risky environment. How many of you are willing to do that? One can find mismanagement, waste and inefficiencies in any organization. I challenge any of you to name a company that runs perfectly. I do not believe Greg has any bad intent. Some things could be managed better and that is something he will learn.Good work

I will say one more thing...and I haven't read the entire Krakauer piece yet, just skimmed it...with the seriousness of the allegations and the sadness that I would think a writer would have in exposing a hero as an alleged fraud, it is tone-deaf and disrespectful of Krakauer to title his piece "Three Cups of Deceit". The title seems gloating to me. And, given the importance of K.as a writer to Outside Magazine, I don't think it was his editors that came up with or foisted the title on Krakauer

It's important to note that Jon Krakauer has himself been known to engage in literary license, faulty memories and outright fabrications in "Into Thin Air" see http://www.salon.com/wlust/feature/1998/08/cov_03feature.html or the problems with the Tillman and the Mormon books. As a big fan of Eiger Dreams, Into Thin Air and Into the Wild, I'm really disappointed in Krakauer's attitude. Smells of professional jealousy to me.

As pointed out in Krakauer's article, CAI board members and staff have been requesting more financial transparency from Greg for years and he has flat out refused every time. He has had ample opportunity to make things right. What was very interesting in the article is the assertion that Greg created MC Consulting Inc to hide his personal wealth. Greg does in fact have a business with that name. If the assertion is true......it makes me sick. I hope CAI can come out of this intact.

Met Greg a few years ago at a speaking engagement. When a Pakistani woman approached the microphone to describe how Greg's efforts changed her life and put her where she is today, in a position of authority and the mentor of thousands, that's all I needed to know. Greg does outstanding work. The worst in humans, such negative, is again causing chaos in one persons work to change the world. Continue doing what you do Greg.

Every book Krakauer has written has been fraught with errors and disputed events. He weaves great stories though, based on facts unless he thinks of something better for his plot line or his ego. I have learned to read his words with a high level of skepticism; for enjoyment mostly, like novels (he is an excellent writer). Then I go and read other accounts of the same events and get a fuller picture. How so many are believing Krakauer's every word on this as gospel is irony at its richest.

Sam, did you actually read Krakauer's e-book (Three Cups of Deceit)? If it is so "fraught with errors" why has Greg or the CAI not adequately refuted the dozens of serious allegations? Why have none of the former CAI board members, founders and staffers come forward disputing Krakauer's account? I was a big fan of (and donor to) Greg's efforts, but it is now very clear that the CAI has not followed basic principles of non-profit accountability and transparency.

Yes, CB, but reading and believing every word are two very different things.

The money trail is pretty clear in Krauker's book and I am sure the IRS is watching. It is serious enough the the Gov. of Montana is starting an investigation. The thing of it is that Greg Mortenson is a Sociopath. He lied about so many things and now the chickens are coming home to roost. He will try to get sympathy from everyone, but the truth be told he didn't climb the mountains he claimed to climb. He wasn't kidnapped and there is a lot of explaning that needs to be done.

Sam your statements about Krakauer are called poisoning the well. I think that if anything Greg Mortenson comes across as a liar and a thief. 60 Minutes and Kraukauer gave Mortenson a chance to talk to them about the issues, and he did not.

Sam your statements about Krakauer are called poisoning the well. I think that if anything Greg Mortenson comes across as a liar and a thief. 60 Minutes and Kraukauer gave Mortenson a chance to talk to them about the issues, and he did not.

Mortenson was an accomplished mountaineer who, before attempting K2, had made ⿿half a dozen successful Himalayan ascents,⿝ including climbs of 24,688-foot Annapurna IV and 23,389- foot Baruntse, both of which are in Nepal. But there is no record in the American Alpine Journal (which meticulously documents all ascents of Annapurna IV, Baruntse, and other major Himalayan peaks) of Mortenson reaching the summit of, or even attempting, any Himalayan mountain prior to 1993.

@traveler...Yes, he would appear to be a narcissistic personality; however it is the lying and the deceit that really pushes him over into the realm of sociopathic. I believed so strongly in his good works and cried a bucket of tears when reading Three Cups of Tea. He is now blaming his co-author for this mess, but really he is the one who said he was kidnapped and he has had YEARS to come clean. As part of being a Sociopathic personality he will now create some reason for people to pity

GREAT artical, get ur answers here: http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-%E2%80%93-and-wrong/

@Amir - yes, he supposedly worked under horrible conditions...so says the man who lied about a huge amount of things in Three Cups of Tea. He also said he was nursed back from the brink of death for 8 days...which is now been proven FALSE. You see Sociopaths try to make you feel sorry for them and get your pity so they can use you as prey. Look at how he set his employees against each other. If you look at the definition of Sociopath, you will see Greg Mortenson's picture stairing back at you.

this is a great artical, must read it !!! http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-%E2%80%93-and-wrong/

this is a great artical, must read it !!! http://danielglick.net/2011/04/60-minutes-expose-on-three-cups-of-tea-is-weak-%E2%80%93-and-wrong/

@ zee - Daniel Glick's "article" does not address the seroius claims made by 60 minutes and Krakauer. I suggest you read the Krakauer piece before you continue. Mortenson did not build the schools he said he did. He took credit for other schools built by other organizations. Mortenson did not climb the mountains he said he did. NO records of him making any prior attempts before his failed 1993 attempt. Mortenson did not fund the teachers and books for the schools he did build. ALL LIES

Very sad. Krakauer has little credibility among the "guides" who operated on Everest when he scored his "best seller" opportunity. They considered him a "wannabe" climber and his story set out to destroy the strongest climber on the mountain, who incidentally fixed the rope and allowed Krakauer to turn up his gas and jumar to the summit. Greg Mortensen's mission is not only to build schools for girls, but to educate Americans on the importance of this theme. Hence his domestic budget. Good j

I am from the area in Pakistan where Greg claims he built the school. Mr. Mortenson not only lied he betrayed our people who helped him to visit some of the places he wanted to see in trible area. A school takes allot more than stones. where are his teachers? how he pays them?where are school supplies? poor children in those far away places do not have enough to eat how they were buying books? he even used school children to give him money so he could fly around the world to lie to more children

I belong to area where Mortenson claims that he built schools. Let me tell him stones are not enough to built schools and lies are not enough to run them. He lied to children and got their pocket money to fly around the world so he could get more money to live his life style...he committed the most ugly crime of our time. Bombs kills once...he use of poor children of Pakistan and Afghanistan to enhance his wealth, power and ego has killed our souls. Once again poverty is used to be rich!

This is a much bigger and dirtier story than it seems. Let's think about what political and multi-national forces would like to see CAI fail...

First read this: http://byliner.com/ The Outside "Interview" addresses nothing real and is a pathetic wash. This situation should NOT be personal: it isn't "Pro" or "Anti" Greg, and shouldn't be about old Everest grudges; it should be about telling the truth. Krakauer spent months researching and documented it all. If anyone wants to doubt it, please go talk to the sources yourself. Expose Krakauer! Go ahead. CAI is a great cause. Greg is a liar. They need to get straight to do t

What a strange opening picture for a guy who is interested in looking into the lens and telling the truth. Whose idea was that? Greg, "It's really complicated" is really weak. You had an opportunity to come forward with 60 minutes. You did not. Now we've got two camps making efforts to make each other scapegoats for deficiencies found in each. I've had it with men in leadership positions who are just master bullshit artists. Isn't that why we're at "war" everywhere we look? Stop the bullshit.

I have no respect for Krakauer's opinions after he bad-mouthed Anatoli Boukreev following the Everest tragedy in 1996. Boukreev assisted sherpas in fixing ropes to the summit, summited using no oxygen, then single-handedly performed one of the most amazing mountain rescues in history- for which he was awarded the David A. Sowles Memorial Award by the American Alpine Club for his heroism. He also located Scott Fischer, but found him dead. I think Krakauer is arrogant and combative.

Greg tried, went where others wouldn't or didn't; It's worth something. His plans/hopes were large and well intentioned. I've personally worked in that part of the world, the need is obvious and well received if freely given.His dreams and plans grew larger than he was prepared for, that's what came back to bite him. Stay small and do thing you can personally handle from start to finish. Not spectacular often unnoticed by the world at large but successful and appreciated. What's important?

Keep up the good work Greg. Gee guys, could it be that you might be a little bigoted and not like the idea of helping people of the Muslim faith in the country that attacked us? In an era of self centrism, run away nationalism, watered down Christianity and fear of anything unknown, Mr Mortenson is a hero and a saint. Well done good and faithful servant. Get some rest, God's speed in your recovery and please hug your wife and kids.

A great example of a well-intentioned person who performed great humanitarian acts but came to believe that he was above reproach or accountability because of his dedication, hard work and sacrifices. I admire him for the real improvements brought to impoverished people who benefited from his efforts. I am critical of the hyperbole he permitted in his books and the excessive personal financial gain. Mostly, I am sad that his ability to continue his good work will suffer.

America is not Afg/Pak, and vice versa. Don't apply our standards to them or theirs to us. The quickest way to "build bridges" is follow through on promises. Greg's been working in Afg/Pak since the mid 90's. The locals wouldn't have continued to work with him if he wasn't doing some good for them and following through on commitments. If you've never worked there daily at the grassroots you don't truly understand. Looking down from on high it's easy to point fingers and lay blame.

If Mortenson is such an upstanding person, then why hasn't he spoken to the new media. Instead he is hidding behind this backpacking travel site. This is a really nice site, and unfortunately it is now being tainted with the lies and misrepresentations by Mortenson. Why doesn't he come out of hidding? Because he is a liar and he has been caught. Unfortunately, his wife and children will share his shame for the rest of their lives, but he doesnt' seem to have a conscience and probably

I don't care how many schools he built. I care about how many could have been built had he not used the donations to fund his own lifestyle, and I care about the men's lives he put in danger by labeling them Taliban. Also, what justification does he have for taking money from CAI to buy thousands of copies of his own book. Oh yeah, it was so he himself could pocket the profit, and to stay on the NY TImes best seller list. I hope he goes to jail. CAI would run better without him.

Lilith A - I'd like to know what makes you such an expert in liars and sociopaths. Do you hold a PhD in pyschiatry? Are you currently practicing? You sound like a very angry and/or bitter person with some sort of ax to grind. Each person - including you - is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. As such, please respect others on this site. Your combative comments against everyone that does not agree with you is counter-productive. In fact, it just makes me want to donate more to CAI.

All you folks defending "Greg" are, I'm sorry to say, dillusional. No ill will intended toward Mortenson or people who want this story to just go away. But wake up, people. If you're pointing the finger at CBS or Krakauer, you're not facing reality. Here's the reality: Unless you can explain why Mortenson deserves praise for building (yes, schools, but also) a saintly reputation and personal wealth upon a foundation of lies, all your critiques of the messengers in this case mean nothing.

@DFA, are you aware you're doing and sounding exactly like the person you're scolding on this thread? You're upset with a person who has a strong opinion about Mortenson, so you're going to give more money to CAI. Okay, bro. You do that.

Well, as usual, all this debate on he said/ she said, he did/he didn't will sell a lot of magazines, books and tv ads but it won't build many schools or help many people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, downtown Los Angeles or anywhere else for that matter. Maybe some debate and focus on the big picture would be more constructive even if it doesn't "sell". You decide, it's a simple call- post effort time dissecting or pre-effort help. Something about casting the first stone I think...

DFA 1. Yes, I have an axe to grind. I bought many copies of this book and gave them out and suggested people buy this book to make the world a better place. 2. Why do you care if I have examined all the issues and find that Greg Mortenson fits the Sociopathic Profile; yes, I have a degree in Psychology not Psychiatry, which you spelled incorrectly. 3/ Great, that you already gave money to CAI, I am sure they will loose their non-profit status. Why doesn't Mortenson face this like a man.

Silly, ignorant, consumers of media! You indiscriminately slurp up everything the media serves you and incorporate the swill into the grand void between your ears and spout vitriol and judgmental rubbish out of your ignorant mouths without a mere thought. This goes for ALL of you--detractors AND supporters who do not have first-hand knowledge of this situation (or for any other for that matter.) You're all a bunch of ignorant fools and the Media companies love you just the way you are.

@Lola I love your statement about Jesus Jr. totally agree! Everyone is treating Mortensen as though he is some sort of money grubbing millionaire thief who took advantage of people for his own personal monetary gain?? I have read both accounts and can see each persons point but last time I checked Mortensen wasn't jet setting around the globe throwing lavish parties for his wife or buying $1,500 shower curtains. Krakauer is guilty of jealousy and Mortensen is guilty of bad management.

You all need to get a life. Go out and make a difference instead of tearing down a man who has.

http://etude.uoregon.edu/winter2008/relin/ In this article, recently updated, David Relin says he and he alone wrote the book and only at the end of the process was he informed there would be a co-author added. He says he objected to this but to no avail. So Mr. Mortenson, who had witnessed this man's considerable efforts to create the tome for years, either new all along he would get a credit (worth millions as it turns out) or, at the last minute capitulated to Publisher's demands. I won

@LTC Croke: I, for one, am doing just that, sir. That's why I'm outraged by this. Unless ALL these allegations are false, why aren't you and anyone who believes in the mission? Respectfully...

For years, CAI bought tens of thousands of Mortenson's own books at retail - not wholesale - so he could give them away to people attending his lectures. Buying at retail instead of wholesale allows him to receive royalties. Does anyone think that's just a case of gee-whiz poor management? You're taking pennies from school kids who believe in you, Mr. Mortenson. You owe it to them to learn to manage yourself. You have not. If these allegations are false, give us facts to refute them.

@ GEEZ, He is working in a part of the world that is not, if there is anywhere, a black / white, true/false world. The guy has given his life to making the world a better place. Have you ever been away from your family for months at a time? Pushed yourself to physical exhaustion, to the point that you have jeopardized your health? If you think he has lived this life to make a quick buck, you are delusional and have never experienced what it means to sacrifice self for others. Give it a try.

@Name: You have no idea. Cast stones somewhere else. Better yet, don't cast any.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/20/greg-mortenson-sued-tribesmen-kidnapped "It's lies from A to Z. There's not one word of truth. If there had been a little exaggeration, that could have been forgiven," said Mahsud. "The way that he's portrayed the Mahsuds, as hash-smoking bandits, is wrong. He's defamed me, my family, my tribe. We are respected people in my area. He's turned us into kidnappers." I guess Krakauer put him up to this? Duh.

@GEEZ, your right that last part was pretty judgmental, I have no idea who you are or what you have done/ do in life. I apologize. And I forgot to put my name on it. I think I'll just stay out of the rest of this.

Perhaps no one told GM that "hey you can't start a non-profit and help children in one of the most lawless impoverished dangerous places in the world". That's what he did, in the beginning with practically nothing. Was he looking to write a book or be a hero? Hard way to do it. No, I think that despite the detractors motives, claims true and false, this guy had his heart in the right place. After schools are built any thing can happen in that region. Management marginal? Perspective is key.

FYI, an interesting take on all this from Alanna Shaikh, an aid worker in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in Foreign Policy magazine. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/04/19/three_cups_of_BS?page=0,1

@Geez, thanks for the article by ALANNA SHAIKH. Very interesting.

Mr. Mortenson told Mr. Relin, the actual author, of his visit to Mother Theresa as she lay in wake. The book clearly states this occurred three years after she died. Here is a case where Mr. Mortenson either lied or got his dates wrong or Mr. Relin got the dates wrong and could not be bothered to google Mother Theresa. Beyond that whoever else at Viking was responsible for proofing and vetting also just took a pass on the fundamentals of the trade. When Mr. Rilen will break his silence?

Greg - Hold your head up high. When others have contributed and sacrificed the way you have, they will be entitled to make comments. www.BackFromTheEdgeMovie.com.

@Lilith A: You spelled "lose" wrong.

More will surely come out. Let us hold our judgements until all the facts are known. Too many posters seem more interested in are attacking those with different opinions than getting at the unvarnished truth.

The real tragedy of all of this is that any effort to build schools in Northern Pakistan & Afghanistan will be doomed for decades to come. Who is the real loser? And, so many of you stand up to defend that con-artist Mortenson!!! Not one of you have talked about the long term effects of this scandal. How sad. :( If I could meet Mortenson I would give him the biggest kick in his B**Ls that I could muster. Haramzada as we would say in Pakistan. I spit on him! Thhhhhuuuu Disgusting human ra

Thanks for the expose 60 Minutes. great stuff. Now why don't you go after the finance sharks on Wall Street who robbed, deceived and destroyed so many lives? Or are they too hard a target?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-UfoNJHMKc Here are two supposed kidnappers/Taliban refuting Mr. Mortenson's version of his 'kidnapping'. I must say that John Krakauer did a great job of getting them to say this! He has really done his homework in getting so many people from all over the world to help him bring down poor Mr. Mortenson who is clearly the target of a specious fabrication that has fooled even CBS and their legal department.

There is real evil in this world, why would 60 Minutes waste time attacking a man who has helped so many others? Yes, there may be discrepancies in his account of his work and how money is spent but the real truth here is that he has done very good things for very many people. This attack will stop the good work he's doing, it will make people question donating to other causes. 60 Minutes and their "sources" have done real damage to innocent people in need all over the world. Shame on them.

Thx for the extensive interview. @Geez" thx for Shaikh's article, but I found it harsh. In "Three Cups of Tea", Mr. Rilen states the challenges of writing and finding time to work with Mortensen. It's tacit admission that some facts and timelines may be inaccurate. I attribute mis-stated nuances to the "ghost" writing process, not to an intent to lie or dupe poor souls into donating money. Mortensen doesn't claim to be a saint, but his efforts are significant. I could not do the same. Resp

Maybe the reason Krakauer is so interested in bringing Greg down is that he didn't get enough glory and attention as a result of his $75,000 donation. I'm betting that Greg has put in more of his own money into CAI than that. Not to mention a grueling schedule and the majority of his time spent away from his family. But, most importantly, this is a man that deserves our support and respect as he has accomplished great humanitarian feats. Greg put himself out there. How many of you would!

Kristine April 20, 2011 "Thx for the extensive interview. @Geez" thx for Shaikh's article, but I found it harsh." What I find harsh is the idea that a multi-millionaire is flying charter jets around the country and it is being paid for by lunch money and piggy-bank withdrawals by school children who thought they were sending money to build schools for some of the least fortunate. Now THAT's charity at its finest.

I started a school in a developing country. I understand how hard Greg has worked and how his family has sacrificed. Even if his co-writer did not get the timeline completely accurate, the point is this: Are children, especially girls, getting educated where they would not have had that opportunity without Greg Mortenson's work? That's the bottom line! Unless you have worked in a developing country, you cannot fault Greg for focusing on the work instead of anything else. I understand!

I was a big fan of Mr. Mortinson but having read scores of articles, I am extremely disappointed and a little angry. Astounding how one man could produce a story of compassion out of such deception. Mr Mortinson has not only destroyed the CAI but has once again eroded the thin veneer of American good will in the Pakistan/Afganistan region. His despicable attempt to bolster his ego and his bank account will ripple through many reputable charities and cast doubt on those who doing good works.

Reno - how many millions did you walk away with?

Reno - how many millions did you walk away with?

Reno: "Unless you have worked in a developing country, you cannot fault Greg for focusing on the work instead of anything else. I understand!" ---- I have and I do fault him. There is zero excuse, zero, for not at least allowing your fellow board members to take care of their serious and legal duties. Hire a CPA, drag along an aid to handle and note disbursements, expenses etc... it is entirely too easy to have done what he is required by law to do but consciously chose not to.

A little more nuanced view from somebody who has been there: http://danielglick.net/2011/04/whats-the-big-problem/

Some of you are passing judgement on what you think you know! All a person needs to do is look in the mirror. I'll bet what you see can't even come close to comparing to the person that this man is. Greg has made sacrifices that most will not make. So what about the book accuracy. And as far as the money...it will work itself out. I'm sure Greg isn't afraid of lawyers or the IRS. He will most likely be glad to have resolve about managing a non-profit. His intentions are GOOD!

Connieb--did you actually read Krakauer's book? I urge you to do so, and then make up your mind. I did not come away with the impression that his sole goal is to "bring Greg down" because he didn't get enough "glory and attention". I'm on the board of three different non-profits. In my experience, donors (especially of large sums) want to make sure their money is being used wisely. If they feel it isn't, they withdraw their support and and donate elsewhere. It's about good business, not ego.

A person that I have deemed to be wiser than me once told that regarding facts/recalled events : "One ought not ask whether it is true or not, rather question does it serve" In my opinion the work that Greg has done (both in Afghanistan and in the balance of the world through the telling of his time in Afghanistan) does serve. Among other things it serves connections between peoples in a world that too often communicates around differences through violence. Lets credit the man for his wor

This was written a year ago. It's interesting. http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/CentralAsiaInstitute.html my heart is breaking about this for everyone involved.

The last of the sources referenced in Karkauer's ebook is anthropologist Ted Callahan. So let's look Ted up on the web: http://zeroanthropology.net/2010/08/29/the-loaded-goat-revisiting-pine-cone-anthropology-in-afghanistan/ Hmm, seems to be what Dan Glick calls an impeachable source.

very well expressed very important issue that often is neglected. Education is not convenience but a very important tool to use.

http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/CentralAsiaInstitute.html ---- Interesting article. I wonder how John Krakauer managed to get AIP to do his dirty work a year ago? Any day now I expect some wounds on the palms and feet of Mr. Mortenson to start seeping blood. ---- It is called theft people. He has misappropriated funds from a charity to enrich his travel, his book sales and his personal wealth. Wake up and smell the greenbacks... he certainly has. .

Greg's book (3COT), inspired me to give, despite how humble it was. But, the reality of this new story breaks an intangible thread of value, which is TRUST. The issue is Integrity; Integrity must be interwoven within the trail we leave behind. Integrity is what inspires young people to have heroes; it brings security to the lost, hope to the abandon. Yes, we need to forgive, but to condone such an action is to demoralize the gift in which ⿿integrity⿝ possesses.

Jon Krakauer, whose accusations were the centerpiece of 60 Minutes' own investigation, has written a 75-page book on the same subject, ⿿Three Cups of Deceit: How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way.⿝ No doubt, the 60 Minutes interview was a fabulous plug for Mr. Krakauer and makes viewers wonder about his own motives. It seems to me it had to have been written BEFORE the 60 minutes video.

I'm holding out judgement on this one until facts come out. 60 Minutes didn't give him a chance.Even his critics admit he is helping tens of thousands of children receive educations they never would otherwise have received. I'd like to know more about Krakauer's motives here as I am a fan of both of these writers. How much money did 60 Minutes pay JK for his role in this? Not surprisingly he is selling his story already,"Three Cups of Deceit." Read 'The Climb' about JK's lies in Into Thin Air.

When Krakauer started his writing career years ago his work was exciting and interesting. Unfortunately since his experience on Everest and after his book "Into This Air" the lack of oxygen seems to have affected his demeanor and thought process. He seems very defense, mean spirited and down right obnoxious if anyone disagrees, remembers something different that Krakauer thinks it happens. Seems he can't stand to see someone else enjoy the limelight if he isn't in it himself. Sad for both men.

A preening narcissist who has taken us all for a ride. He invented this mythology to re-create himself as a HERO. Invoking the spirit of Mother Theresa? Please! Krakhauer is a highly respected journalist and a brilliant writer. His expose has nothing to do with sour grapes and everything to do with being bilked out of his hard earned money. Mortenson is a fraud, a liar, a thief...and a coward.

A preening narcissist who has taken us all for a ride. Invoking the spirit of Mother Theresa? Please! Krakhauer has no axe to grind, apart from the fact that he was bilked out his hard earned cash. Mortenson blaming his co-author for "inaccuraries" is laughable. Really, the dog ate my homework! Mortenson is a liar, a thief and a fraud. Stick a fork in his ass, he's done.

The best possible outcome is not "sticking a fork" in Mortenson (or Krakauer, for that matter). We can only hope that Krakauer's efforts result in what appears to be his underlying intent here: Shining a light on transparency and accountability problems at CAI before the organization totally implodes. Mortenson and CAI now have the opportunity to rectify their apparent improprieties and make the organization more transparent and efficient. Let's hope they do it...it's not too late.

Mr. Mortenson has appointed his wife's friend to direct CAI operations during his medical absence. If he were even slightly serious about cleaning up his financial house he would have hired in a professional in the industry who was not a family friend. So the board of a charity that has, by Mr. Mortensons proclamation, 20 million dollars in the bank, a massive PR debacle, a function challenged regional administration and a pending IRS investigation can do no better than hiring a family friend.

A preening narcissist who has taken us all for a ride. Invoking the spirit of Mother Theresa? Please! Krakhauer has no axe to grind, apart from the fact that he was bilked out his hard earned cash. Mortenson blaming his co-author for "inaccuraries" is laughable. Really, the dog ate my homework! Mortenson is a liar, a thief and a fraud. Stick a fork in his ass, he's done.

I like this perspective http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2011/04/greg-mortenson-peter-hessler.html Also, if GM's story about the death of Mother Teresa and visiting her body is a lie, that say's it all..

Hey, this is the net, so anyone can say anything without verification. But my take with an experience-honed BS meter, is that Krakauer registers merely a blip (get a response to the claimed medical issues before the 60min broadcast, questions about Callahan's reliability, but most of the stuff happened pre-Callahan), whereas Mortenson is off the meter. No doubt original intentions were good, but put a narcissicistic personality into that situation, set up for fraud, unintentional or otherwise.

At least Greg Mortenson is helping others, John Krakauer is only self serving. I have spoken personally with someone on Everest with John Krakauer who believes he lied about that experience, endangered peoples lives and then wrote a BS account of it. No one from that expedition likes him or his book Into Thin Air. 60 Minutes should look into the inaccuracies of Krakauers book before they worry about Three Cups of Tea. Oh, but that would require real journalism not just a PR piece.

The issue about the book not being factually correct is second to the deceit taking place in the non profit. Why can Greg run the expenses of publicizing his book through his non profit; yet solely benefit for all the revenue made from the book sales. This is just wrong and I suspect his family are pulling handsome salaries out of the non profit. Think of all the well intentioned folks (ME) that bought the book thinking they were helping some little girls in Central Asia. Such a shame!!

Hats off to Jon Krakauer and 60 minutes. In my opinion, Krakauer's research and reporting are accurate and concise. Mortenson's refusal to engage in dialogue does not help his case. Regardless of how this plays out, the central asia institute has been dealt a lethal blow. The damage is done. Nice shot Jon and colleagues.

Greg tweeted this today: http://tinyurl.com/3e3wlje "The furor over Greg⿿s work breaks my heart. And the greatest loss will be felt not by those of us whose hero is discredited, nor even by Greg himself, but by countless children in Afghanistan who now won⿿t get an education after all. But let⿿s not forget that even if all the allegations turn out to be true, Greg has still built more schools and transformed more children⿿s lives than you or I ever will. "

Perhaps if he hired someone to manage CAI then he wouldn't be in this mess. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170. The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organiz

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction. How many schls could he have built with 2 Mil

After what 60 Minutes did to the teachers and administrators of Columbine High School in 2001, I would never believe anything on that show, and will never watch it again. They did a lot of "creative editing" and actually mismatched questions and answers to make the story say what they wanted. They had an interesting premise they set out to "prove" and manipulated everything to make them look right. I feel sorry for Greg and what they are putting him through. Looks like the same MO to me!

Well said BARB. I think there are people who do not want Greg to be seen as succeeding when there are American agencies out there failing. To understand about the split in the trail, one way Askhole and one way Korphe you have to have made the mistake to even know that Korphe really exists. It puts one on the wrong side of the Braldu gorge for quite a way.(used to be a whole day). Greg may not have spent a week there the first time around, but he clearly made that mistake. Go slowly Greg.

I wonder if it is Mortenson's cronies who are pretending to be the "I don't care what he did, I still love him" fan club. How is it conceivable that genuine thinking people would fly in the face of eveidence and insist that he has done more good than wrong!

Oh Suzy, Cronies is a loaded word. Are Americans a nation of people who lift a half empty glass and whine or are they a nation who salute with a half full glass and wait for the "truths" to be shown, and determine to fill the glass. Greg I am sure is not a perfect man (are you) but I do know that he has built many schools and I know my tax dollars have destroyed more than schools in the name of keeping us "safe" and our Lattes warm. The man is being nailed, take the blinkers off. Met him once.

"The man is being nailed, take the blinkers off. Met him once." Oh well then... case closed! (rolls eyes) He suckered many folks he met including John Krakauer who donated 75k to his cause. How much did you give and are you happy knowing it paid for private jets and books more than schools? At least Mr. Krakauer was astute enough to eventually realise he was giving money to a fraud. Case closed. .

"I saw 84 children sitting in the dirt doing their school lessons with sticks in the sand..." Gee... he actually counted every child? Did he note the numbers by gender as well and how amazing is that for a guy who claims not to keep very good notes! Doesn't he also tell folks he was 84 days without a shower when he stumbled into the village with the 84 kids with sticks in hand? Seriously... what are those odds... oh wait... that first visit to the village was for two hours.

Room for criticism on both sides. Greg's response is reasonable to the valid questions raised by 60 Minutes. Given the amount & positive impact of the incredible work this man has done in his life, far more than any of us reading this put together, I'm guessing, he deserves some slack. Steve Kroft & 60 Minutes have a well-deserved, top-notch investigative reportorial reputation. But could they have been pushing the envelope on this? It certainly did make good TV. More to follow ....

I'm waiting for the IRS and other legal institutions to investigate the financial side and report. I'm not so worked up about the editing/storytelling side. Remember that Krakauer's account of the Everest tragedy has been called into question regarding accuracy, as has his account of Christopher McCandless in Into The Wild.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2011/04/greg-mortenson-peter-hessler.html Interesting read in the New Yorker. In addition... one must remember that his 'compression/omissions' that appears in the book and which he claims is the result of his 'co-author' is the same story he tells at every appearance. He repeats the fabrication every time he speaks. That is not the same as a literary device that some think excusable... no, he lies to the face of every person in the auditoriu

Everyone--including Krakauer--agrees that Greg has done a tremendous amount of good. That is not in dispute! The issue is that there has been serious mismanagement of the non-profit CAI and those problems must be rectified. CAI's website say it has just three board members--Greg and two other people. That in itself is cause for concern. An organization like this should have a large, diverse board made up of people with broad experience in foreign aid, expertise in Central Asia, and education.

I think Mortenson is a man who took on too much, compared to what he's capable of handling. He turned his entire life into a "business", and as such, it would've been wise for him to arm himself with a top-notch team to ensure his biz strategies, finances, and legal proceedings were square. He failed to do this, and now there are consequences. This is not about whether he's "good" or "bad". He's made some naive mistakes. I feel sorry for him; I know I couldn't have taken on all that he has.

I like CB's remark/analysis: The best possible outcome is [...to shine] light on transparency and accountability problems at CAI before the organization totally implodes. Mortenson and CAI now have the opportunity to rectify their apparent improprieties and make the organization more transparent and efficient. Let's hope they do it...it's not too late.

Re: CAI - Get your financial house in order. Restore trust so those who believe in your mission can donate with a clear conscience; 60 Min - What else should we expect? Ratings & $$; Tara - Please ensure Greg gets mental health care; Amira & Khyber - Be proud; 3COT - As Americans, we learned that folks in Pak/Afgh are real people & not 2D caricatures of AK47 toting Talibs; $50 mil - a drop in the bucket compared to Wall St. fraud; GM - let pros do the $, get healthy & stay visionary

This is a man who lost his true north. You can build schools, hospitals, and other social programs like many people do in the world, but if you forget the basic principles like honesty,integrity, like other misguided heroes do, consequences will happen. Just like you can't cheat gravity,breaking the levitation of trust brings the organization crashing down. Mortenson became "star-struck" and vertigo entailed. Mortenson needs to find true north again,and I think he can. Time to go off the radar

After scanning some of the comments here, it is painful to see so much hateful, ad hominem invective directed at GM. Little people doing pretty much all they know how to do. Having spent my professional career in the nonprofit sector, and having read GM's first book, I see a classic case of someone doing his best to perform a mission, raise $, publicize, write, lead, and stay healthy and sane. No matter what the altitude, herculean tasks for anyone. "Get healthy and stay visionary" is right!

This is all so sad. Ever since I read Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson has been one of my favorite heros. While his NGO's financial matters sound like they deserve scrutiny, Greg himself does not deserve to be so maliciously villified, like a common criminal. Let us all be patient and wait for the whole story to unfold. And let us continue to support a man who has given so much of himself to build bridges, literally and figuratively, in a region of the world most of us wouldn't even

consider setting foot. Let us pray that Greg and the CIA will rise above this crisis, clean up their financial matters, and continue to do the work that is so desperately needed.

The results say pretty much all that needs to be said. $60,000,000 - Sixty Million dollars in donations vs. $54,000 - Fifty Four Thousand spent on Teachers. 1,700,000 - One Millions Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars spent on his personal book tour from donor funds. In two diffent books saying you were kidnapped by the Taliban, when you were not is not about being disorganzied, it is about being dishonest. Appointing your wife to run CAI in your place Fraud, Lair and Thief.

He is worse than a common criminal. Common criminals wouldn't ask for children to empty their piggy banks so that he could fly on charter airlines and stay at 4 Star hotels. I agree with you he is not a common criminal he is an EXTRAODINARY Criminal.

I hope Jon Krakauer did not have an ulterior motive for discrediting the Central Asia Institute. I noticed that he is on the board of the American Himalayan Foundation which has a mission very similar to CAI (providing education for girls, etc. in the Himalayan region) and which, no doubt, competes for donations.

I am still waiting for an evidence-based critique of the financial issue. What strikes me in reading the posts and comments on Greg here and elsewhere is the vitriol and hate. Here's a low-profile, dirtbag climber (said with affection; some of my close friends are) who stumbles on a vision for his life which consumes him. Is he seduced by the fame and glory? Perhaps. Has he actually made a difference for good in the world? Undoubtedly.

So, I would ask his angry critics, "How many schools have you built?" Build a school somewhere, then come back and dis Mortenson.

John How many schools have you built and how many times have you stolen money from the piggy banks of children to fund your trips around the world at your own personal gain. How is it that he only spent 54,000 dollars on teacher salaries and 1.7 million dollars of charity money on his trips. I don't see any answers to this question? Wake up. Greg Mortenson isn't disorganized, he is a pathologic liar. He had plenty of opportunity and access to Kroft and Krakrauer to straighten up all this.

Here is a link to the tax returns for CAI from 2001 to 2009. Please note I made a mistake it was 4.7 million dollars to promote his book where he got sole $30,000 fee. http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990s/990search/esearch.php Here are the rules for a 501C3 The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organiz

@Anne - I am not sure why everyone reverts to defusing the focus on Greg Mortenson. So here is what the Charity Navigator for the ranking of the American Himalayan Foundation - Three out of 4 Stars. http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=5817 It might be nice if people here looked before they commented on something they no nothing about. It is also very interesting to see that CAI's report to them does not match their IRS returns, and there is now a Donor Aler

Although INTO THE WILD is a favorite, I am wary of Krakauer's reliability with sequential information and journalistic bias. He recorded several inaccuracies in INTO THIN AIR. He eviscerated the Russian climber Boukreev, who went on to write his own account in THE CLIMB. Boukreev summited Everest without oxygen and saved climbers lives. Krakauer admtted to altitude sickness and still wrote of his recollections, blaming Bourkreev for much of the loss of life. Villainy is easy to write about but

I sincerely hope the schools and training CAI claim they have performed were actually done; it will be extremely difficult to verify. However, as Chief Engineer on a USAID funded effort in the northern provinces of Afghanistan (2005-06) we worked with over 20 NGO's and other related organizations building roads, bridges, clinics, and other infrastructure. We never encountered CAI, nor were we aware they were in the area. Perhaps they were, but it is unusual that we did not hear about them.

Naive, overextended, made errors--not surprising for one whose life was unexpectedly tapped to get big things done! He's not a Wall St crook. Having looked in his eyes, I see one for whom personal fame/fortune have not been the goal.Give him time to rest, allow his family peace. I hope he'll be willing to continue his life's work.He's helped military & public to see other cultures more clearly. May his heart survive this crisis and his wise--yes, wise in the most vital ways--leadership endure.

Questions aside, I trust everyone wishes Mr. Mortenson well this day of his surgery. Meanwhile... Devid Relin, who wrote TCOT, is nowhere to be found and I suspect Jon Krakauer has him lined up for part two of his chronicles. Mr. Krakauer clearly absolves Kevin Fedarko of any malfeasance in his first report but says nothing in that respect of Mr. Relin. Lawyers running up bills all over the place right now. .

Well, I could tell that Mortensen was a fraud from the beginning. My non-profit redi-org.com does similar work in Nepal. I published numerous articles about my work, but I never resorted to fabrication a lying about my work just so that donors would weep and open their checkbooks. That is sham charity work, and for me to see this guy doing it for years was nauseating. And here is the real crime: Mortensen sucked those donor dollars AWAY from other orgs like mine, causing hardship to OUR clients.

I suspect that when the final tally is done, it will turn out that GM build a handful of schools and used them over and over to fabricate a fantasy charity, buoyed by the fantasy books, that painted a picture of himself as a savior. Its called charlatanism, and we've seen it before, no? Jean Hoerni must be turning in his grave. Such hubris on GM's part to think it would never catch up with him, and he was warned for years by those closest to him. From the start, his narrative did not ring true.

I've read all comments about and by G. M. on this site, and I believe G. M. I am outraged by the 60 Minutes "expose" of his motivations. Why, I ask, did they & Krakauer do this? Sell Krakauer's books? Jealousy? Pique? G.M. is obviously a gentle, shy, humanitarian, dedicating his life to kids' education in countries most people don't care about. Should he have no salary, wear sackcloth and burlap slippers to do his work? 60 Minutes, I used to think better of you than this!

I find these comments very interesting. However, have any of you Americans noticed that all of the comments made by Afghanis and Pakistanis call Mortenson a liar. These people know the conditions far better than any of us and they don't seem to believe Mortenson's story. Secondly, there is no such thing as literary license in a non-fiction account. I was a working reporter for 26 years. You stick to the facts when you write something. If you don't know something, or don't recall, you say so.

The anger and name calling in this thread is very disappointing. Mr. Mortensen's account is completely plausible. Far more likely that someone got overwhelmed with the riggers of taking a small cause into a multi million dollar non-profit, than that he had a devious plot to work himself to death giving hundreds of speeches across the country while visiting Pakistan/Afghanistan, coordinating the building of hundreds of schools, just so he could enrich himself.

Secondly, most reputable charities - the American Diabetes Association, the MS Society, the American Cancer Society and others - try to give around 80 to 90 percent of the money they collect to the cause they are supporting. That is one of the touchstones I use for any charity I back - most of the money has to go to the cause. Secondly, any reputable charity has an outside of Board of Directors, is run by an expert and makes sure its financial records are shiny clean.

It seems very believable that he wasn't a good bookkeeper, he intermixed the book and charitable work. It also seems very realistic that in building hundreds of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan that some could have been closed or that locals could have taken advantage of the organization. This is truly a hatchet job by 60 minutes, Kroft, and Krakauer. I find it hard to believe they couldn't find something truly corrupt and broken to investigate. Weak and petty journalism.

"I find it hard to believe they couldn't find something truly corrupt and broken to investigate. Weak and petty journalism." I find it hard to believe anyone can look at what 60 minutes and Krakauer have compiled and call it weak and petty journalism. This type of blind, knee-jerk reaction is of no value to any useful discussion of the situation. Mr. Krakauer and 60 minutes are the foremost critics of the CAI and TCOT but by no means the first. Two minutes on Google to anyone who bothers.

I suspect the extent of any wrongdoing on GM's part will take time to sort out and may be a complex mix of shady finances and genuine desire to do good. But if you want to slam Krakauer, remember that your admiration of GM rests almost entirely on the accounts in his books, public appearances, and the press based upon them. At least some of that narrative is now clearly untrue, so your goodwill toward him may be misplaced. Krakauer's account is meticulous and it must be addressed in full by CAI.

I am not the least bit surprised by all of this. As soon as I put down Three Cups of Tea I thought, " this guy has A.D.D. He must be a nightmare to work with. He means well, but you can tell that everything he does is out of control. You can tell from the photos that he isn't even taking good care of himself." It takes a person with vision, humility, and a wild sense of adventure to accomplish what Mr. Mortensen has accomplished, but it doesn't make for an effective executive director.

New schools are of NO USE if they are empty! Here are some ways that KhamAid.org has improved education for rural Tibetans in China: 1. Provide scholarships to poor children to attend good schools far from home. 2. Inspire kids by giving them interesting Tibetan language books to read. 3, Send teachers to get more training. 4. Renovate teacher housing so good teachers will stay. 5. Give greenhouses to schools to improve kids' diet. 6, Build a good school toilet.

"..have any of you Americans noticed that all of the comments made by Afghanis and Pakistanis call Mortenson a liar." Have you checked out the IKAT site recently? Lots of comments from folks on the ground. More generally, why can't you absolute nay-sayers accept that realignment was already underway within CAI for 2-3 months when CBS got ahold of the legal advisory letter? For me, this interview is enough answer to all of CBS' "allegations." Let the WORK proceed!

I cannot believe that people are after a true, caring, if somewhat eccentric, individual who has dedicated his adult life (to the point of being away from his family far too long, far too often) to actually producing a 'product (schools) that has benefitted youngsters in war torn countries. What have our politicians done other than destroy, knock down, blow up the infrastructure of these countries? GM was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize..that year Obama (did-nada) won.

Greg Mortenson continues to personify for me the meaning of a true hero, pursuing a mission, a vision, in order to better the world. One man has found a means to make profound changes in the world without the use of violence. He will continue his work with renewed health and reserve! Carry on, Greg! You are truly inspirational.

Let's keep in mind the journalistic process that Krakauer went through while writing Into the Wild. His novel is pieced together from McCandless's short notes and pictures he took while traveling. Throughout the novel he makes it clear that he isn't sure what happened in CM's adventures, but he does make claims about CM's life that many readers take as fact. Isn't this the same process that Relin went through? Let's be fair and give Mort. the same benefit of the doubt that we gave Krakauer.

interesting how critical Krakauer was of others himalaya climbing methods in his book "into thin air" even though I don't believe JK had any himalaya experience before his Everest trip.

In "Three Cups of Deceit" Jon Krakauer accuses Greg Mortenson of writing a "work of fiction presented as fact." However, I've first-hand knowledge of JK's own deceit in his revised edition of "Where Men Win Glory." My post "Jon Krakauer's Credibility Problem"* (at feralfirefighter blog) describes his deceit in detail. JK is a hypocrite to "throw stones" at GM. JK's own hands are certainly not clean and without sin. *Ref. to his "Gen. McChrystal's Credibility Problem" 10-14-09 Daily Beast

In "Three Cups of Deceit" Jon Krakauer accuses Greg Mortenson of writing a "work of fiction presented as fact." However, I've first-hand knowledge of JK's own deceit in his revised edition of "Where Men Win Glory." My post "Jon Krakauer's Credibility Problem"* (at feralfirefighter blog) describes his deceit in detail. JK is a hypocrite to "throw stones" at GM. JK's own hands are certainly not clean and without sin. *Ref. to his "Gen. McChrystal's Credibility Problem" 10-14-09 Daily Beast

from Rockandice.com http://rockandice.com/news/1428-krakauer-key-source-disagrees "According to Ahmad, regardless of where Mortenson might have gotten lost, to reach Korphe he would have had to cross at least one "extremely dangerous" river, and in one scenario would have had to cross up to "eight dangerous and difficult glacial/rivers/streams." Which was it? 8 days or 1/2 day? Doesn't add up either way. He couldn't get there from where it was and he was suppose be sick?

from Rockandice.com http://rockandice.com/news/1428-krakauer-key-source-disagrees "There is no way Mortenson could cross any of the rivers and go to Korphe," said Ahmad. "There is no bridge."

What's the date of this interview?

The date on the Rock and Ice Interview was yesterday, April 27, 2011. Here is a better link to a newer story about the region where Mortenson claims he was. http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2011/04/greg-mortensons-trip-to-korphe-cant-get-there-from-here.html#comments Outside was contacted by Masood Ahmad, a Colorado-based Pakistani tour operator who has run trips in the Baltoro region for years and who was in the area in 1993. Using satellite photos, Ahmad walked us through the geograp

http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2011/04/greg-mortensons-trip-to-korphe-cant-get-there-from-here.html#comments Outside has also learned, however, that Mortenson doesn⿿t appear in Kathmandu archivist Elizabeth Hawley⿿s Himalayan Database. Outside⿿s Eric Hansen profiled Hawley in April; by all accounts, Hawley⿿s database is a thorough and exhaustive account of all Nepalese expeditions. Hawley, who is 87, meticulously contacts the leader of every permitted expedition.

I have read Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson's Outside Interview, and the entire John Krakauer report. While I believe that Mortenson had/has the best of intentions, the "facts" as written in his books have obvious errors. Greg seems to acknowledge some of these in his interview, but brushes aside the discrepancies on his ghost writer, and literary license. He doesn't seem to realize that trust is essential and he has likely dealt a huge blow to CAI's legacy and future. That's the real pity.

It strikes me that one of the reasons GM was able to get away with this for so long is that he was never an expat living in Pakistan or Afganistan or Kathmandu, like some of us. If you actually live someplace where you have community, you can not lie about such things because it will be immediately known to your peers, and you would be exposed. He did not have that backstop to his ego, and considering that he was raised by missionaries in africa it is not surprising that he has a savior complex

that got in his and others' way. It appears he used the million dollar donation he got from Jean Hoerni to pay the considerable costs of creating his first book, which was a fantasy projection of himself as someone he isn't. Then the promoters and handlers to foist him into the national spotlight. Don't you see it? If he had just been genuine, and had not knowingly aggrandized himself, this would not have ended so badly. We owe Krakaur a debt of gratitude for being pissed off enough to reveal it

'Three Cups' concerns: Students postpone fundraising for charity after '60 Minutes' story ⿿It made me feel really cheated,⿝ fifth-grader Kaylee Wallace said of the allegations. ⿿I⿿ve donated a lot of money over the years.⿝ On April 20, the money raised through ⿿Pennies for Peace⿝ was counted and will soon be sent to the American Red Cross, Gordon principal Claudia Alves said. http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/news/120971859.html

No good deed goes unpunished. Or in Greg's case, no life time of good deeds goes unpunished. Ask yourself this. What have you done in your lives to help the poor people of this world?

1.7 million dollars from Pennies for Peace with $57,000 spent on teacher salaries. Where is the good deed? Taking credit for schools you didn't build? Not putting infrastructure in to support the schools you do build. Attorneys telling you that you will have a $23 million dollar fine from the IRS for breaking the rules on using 5013C funds for Personal Gain and Expenses. If he couldn't handle the job then it would have been better for him to coop his efforts w others instead of pocket money

⿿It⿿s a Beautiful Story. And It⿿s a Lie.⿿ http://theothermccain.com/2011/04/16/its-a-beautiful-story-and-its-a-lie/

http://www.telluridenews.com/articles/2011/05/01/news/doc4dbb70a601ac7157519671.txt Mortenson, who was supposed to be a judge at this year⿿s festival, is still falling from his throne as a non-profit titan after a ⿿60 Minutes⿝ investigation charged that the bestseller ⿿Three Cups of Tea⿝ was filled with inaccuracies and that co-author Mortenson⿿s charitable organization has taken credit for building schools in central Asia that don⿿t exist.

The amount of effort extended for CAI to undertake a project of this enoromity in countries with very limited resources is bound to experience hiccups along the way. Greg has effectively channeled his commitment in a way that inspires the average individual in the developed world. Consider the documentary "Inside Job" - that level of incompetence is a disgrace - Greg's is only unfortunate. Shame on 60 Minutes for having no perspective! Ask the afghan girls if they care about these minor details?

Is he or the CAI perfect? No. Who else is making such an impact for empowering girls and empowering peace? Who else is making an effort to educate the US on what is happening, culturally "over there". I am thankful for Greg's work and, even though flawed, do you know anyone who would even attempt to do what he has done? Would you? Yes, now an opportunity for improvement, but don't "throw out the baby with the bath water".

Regardless of what anyone thinks of GM, the facts of his story about ending up in Korphe & having the idea for the school-building venture doesn't add up. Since we know now that this account was not truthful, it diminishes anything which followed after. See Outside Magazine's article about GM here http://outsideonline.com/outside/culture/200812/greg-mortenson-afghanistan-1.html?page=2; apparently nearly everything that GM said happened reagrding Korphe was embellished (or an outright lie).

Reading the 990 statements from Foundation Center (link somebody else posted), I think it is clear that things out of control for GM but he did not start out with the intention to deceive/scam. Just look at the progression of money for schools, money for domestic outreach, and GM's salary over the years:

FY / $ Schools / $Domestic / $GM 2002 / $373k / $0 / $53/69k (read doc yourself) 2003 / $715k / $0 / $54k 2004 / $525k / $65k / $0 (!?) 2005 / $693k / $414k / $107 2006 / $970k* / $287k / $108k *incl earthquake $ 2007 / $2.1m / $1.5m / $145k 2008 / $4.0m / $4.6m / $180k

GM blames David Relin for the 'compressions and omissions' in the Korphe story (2006) and who knows what else but that 'compression' of the Korphe time-line previously appeared in the Parade article (2003) written by Kevin Fedarko. Mr Mortenson did not write TCOT according to Relin, but he did take a co-author credit and millions in related royalties. When tough questions are posed he throws Relin under the bus because he, Mortenson, is "sloppy, not a liar." Indeed.

Andres Math Cool you know math. How about looking at the taxes and seeing that CAI spent 1.7 million plus of Charity money on funding his book/speaking tour where he kept the money and illegially used 5031c Charity funds for his own gain, which is why the IRS is going over their books.

If he is so disorganized then he should not be running CAI, and the money should be given to a real charity. He spent so little in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He took credit for building schools he had nothing to do with Imagine what could have been done if he had spent the money he said he was on the schools and teachers.

If Greg Mortensen built only ONE school, if he only INSPIRED others to do acts of good, he has done more than any of his critics in this cyber magazine will ever do. Shame on all of those who have rubbed salt on the back satbbing wounds that Krakauer, Kroft and 60 minutes have perpetrated on Greg Mortensen. Where has virtousness and compassion gone in America? I frankly don't see GM living the great life with "all the money" that many allege he's raised. Seems he lives a rather humble life.

I've never been happier to not watch or have a TV. I assume the corporations that own the media are behind this. Mortensen puts a human face on the people we are killing and maiming and making homeless in Afghanistan and Pakistan. thus, the billionaires who own the corporations will lose a lot of big money if the wars stop. It's simple. Discredit him or the wars will stop. It's too bad that the corporations are running our country by controlling our media. TV won't tell much truth.

Too bad Greg Mortenson and CAI didn't do the work that they said they would. Instead of lining Greg Mortenson's pockets. If the money ahd gone to teacher salaries and schools that he actually built there woudn't be all this negative feeling about him. Instead he going to feel the karmamic wrath of the IRS. The worst part is that he took credit for schools he didn't build and he took money from kids using Pennies for Peace for his private jet trips. Bad Man.

I support CAI and Greg Mortenson 100%. I am a reasonably educated person who is generally aware of what goes on in the world; however I had almost no understanding of this region before reading 3CoT. Later I also read Stones into Schools, which deepened my understanding of the challenges of operating in Aghanistan. Even if portions are embellished, the benefits of increasing the understanding of the American population about this part of the world outweigh the negative.As an American, I thank GM

It certainly seems Greg Mortenson is a victim of the prevailing gotcha media frenzy. Excruciating competition for viewers amidst ever expanding network and cable channels prompts this carnivorous reporting. So what if he's a bit loose in his accounting? Or a school here or there doesn't get built or is the victim of unenforceable fraud. The fact is this man has sacrificed his health and family life for more than a decade to support educating young girls in a brutally repressive culture.

What happened here is what has happened to our world. Mortenson started this with the best intentions and goals, to help people in need. He did that, and with his success came the money, esteem, and fame. Step by step he lost himself and could bend hims morals he made many mistakes for money and ego. You can see his lies so plainly in the interview its comical. I think krakauer is going a little overboard but that seems to be his cynical style these past few years. Mortenson should come clean and apologize. Hopefully people will see past his personal failure to some the good he really did achieve.

Hm, it seems the bottom line in his own view of the situation as well as here in the comments is, it doesn't matter whether these accusations are true or not. He's done at least some good in the world, and that's all we should focus on. This seems like a royal mess, all the way around.

(Edited to include name, sorry.) Hm, it seems the bottom line in his own view of the situation as well as here in the comments is, it doesn't matter whether these accusations are true or not. He's done at least some good in the world, and that's all we should focus on. This seems like a royal mess, all the way around.

All this nonsense that Greg Mortenson a shy unassuming guy,.read the financials and his chat with mother Teresa three years after her death,,,Facts are tough things to ignore

All this nonsense that Greg Mortenson a shy unassuming guy,.read the financials and his chat with mother Teresa three years after her death,,,Facts are tough things to ignore

Greg just worked out of inspiration without recording anything. He wasn't starting with the idea of this becoming a successful nonprofit, so the difficulty in tracking early recounts is understandable, at least for me. I mean, he lived out of his car for a time; how aware would he have been of what day or even what week it was? Also, that is the way writing works. It makes no sense to try to outline 3 trips to Afghanistan in excruciating detail; it makes more sense to condense them into one, especially if they are being recounted from memory. The only problem seems to be the lack of clear demarcation between the book and the non profit, but how can that be remedied, since they both depend on each other? I know they will be more forthcoming in the future, but I highly doubt Greg is pocketing vast amounts of donated funds and secretly saving in order to live lavishly in the next life! It's an inspiring story and mission, and also has to exist within a framework of reality. We can't make this man into a Saint and then point fingers because he's not saintly enough for our tastes. Anyway, I wish him and you all and all of the students the best.

Krakauer says he wrote 'Three Cups of Deceit' as he was concerned about donations he gave to Mortenson's Central Asia Institute eight years earlier. Dude, why so long to complain? However, much more likely that 'Three Cups of Deceit' was written out of jealousy and envy, and timed with the release of By-Liner, set up with Krakauer's buddy from OUTSIDE (Mark Bryant) and spoon fed to 60 Minutes and Steve Kroft. Daniel Glick, former Newsweek journalist wrote an interesting expose on Krakauer's possible motives below: http://danielglick.net/2011/04/whats-the-big-problem “I believe in the importance of journalism to ferret out charlatans, expose financial fraud, and hold people and institutions accountable. That said, it’s hard to believe why “60 Minutes” decided that Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute qualified on any of those fronts – much less why Jon Krakauer joined in this recent barrage.” However, Krakauer didn’t simply “join in” with an on-going 60 Minutes investigation; Krakauer fed his story to 60 Minute, launching their investigation. Months later, he timed the release of his e-book, “Three Cups of Deceit,” for the day after the 60 Minutes expose aired to maximize publicity for the launch of the new publishing venture byliner.com. It’s worth noting the editor of byliner.com is Mark Bryant, an old friend of Krakauers’ and his former editor at Outside magazine. Besides any anger about Mortensons’ literary sins and management practices, it appears Krakauer was also motivated to write his “take down” of Mortenson to build up his own book sales and launch his friends’ start-up.

How interesting, that Krakauer's and Sixty Minutes reporting is already experiencing the very same charges that they level against Mortneson. Their own sources are coming out publicly to deny or question Krakauer's quoting them, or his interpretation of the facts (which by the way are hard to deny that he picked and chose to suit his own storyline). Also, in Sixty Minutes second showing last week of the Mortenson show, they gave a minor disclaimer of their own, admitting that the school that they so visibly displayed as never operating, not operating, and most likely never to operate, they admitted now it is in operation with students and teachers. What they failed to fully admit and now know, is that it was operating before their and Krakauer's investigation and show, and is andloce will be expanded upon with three teachers and three dozen schools, with full support of the locals. Who is really guilty of shoddy writing, Mortenson, or is it Krakauer and Sixty Minutes???

editing correction of last three lines of my previous comment: "...with three teachers and three dozen students, ..."

For a long time this guy was living out of a storage shed, a car and/or sleeping on floors. How many of us picked a part his time as a nurse? How many of us dedicate an ounce of effort compared to what he did before the 60 minutes story. Next time I buy gas for my car, watch TV or a movie, purchase a new gadget or app, or pledge loyaly to a professional sports team, I will think about the millionaires/billionaires behind those activities...maybe pick their lives a part. Greg should be rich, even if only a few of the schools worked. My, my my how myopic we can be and how manipulated by mainstream media?!?! I love the book and I am going to finish it today non-fiction or not. Go GM!

I think each skeptical person should read in detail Central Asia Institute's, "Journey of Hope, Volume V," just published. The reader will readjust any initial impressions of fraud, and realize the magnitude of the successful mission and accomplishments being made in these remote parts of the world. My hat is off to Greg, the staff, the reorganization that has ensued to place the organizational integrity on a firm creditable level. Krakauer should take another look at his assertions and come up with an apology.

Perhaps the biggest problem is Greg Mortenson's trust factor with people doing what they say they will or have done. Do you think you could manage an organization like this so many miles away? You need to be able to count on those who say they are doing what he wants and trust their opinions on how to do his vision. Also, a bad financial manager, certainly does not DISqualify him as a wonderful organization leader.