"These people - mainly young men from rural Pakistan and neighboring Afganistan - are members of a group called the Taliban." Rural means

"During the day, she frequently walked by corpses of men and women executed by the Taliban and left on the the street as a warning to those who would dare defy them." The meaning of defy is

"Those who live in areas under Taliban control are forced to follow oppressive religious rules." Oppressive means

"Some residents saw the Taliban as a welcome alternative to Pakistan's government and military which have been plagued by curruption." Plagued means

"To protect her identity, she used a pseudonym." A pseudonym is

"Along with millions of refugees, Malala and her family were evacuated south." A refugee is

"In Pakistan, millions lifted up prayers for her. Candlelight vigils were held across the globe." A vigil is

"It seemed that by trying to silence her, the Taliban had unwittingly helped thousands more find a voice of their own." Unwittingly means

"She envisions a world in which all children, and especially girls, can get the education they need to become whatever they want - from doctors and scientists to politicians and journalists." To envision means to