Letters: Jan. 14, 2002

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The Last Days of the Taliban

I have my doubts that "The Last Days of the Taliban" are truly upon us, although I wish it were so [THE MANHUNT, Dec. 17]. It is apparent that America is involved in a long and tedious war. During Vietnam, the media made it seem as if the U.S. were winning the war, but that was not the case. History repeats itself. If we jump the gun and think we have won a victory over terrorism, will we not arrive at the same result as in Vietnam? We must push our arrogance aside and maintain our focus. S. KYLE PAULY Manitowoc, Wis.

America has been successful in its military action in Afghanistan. Now, after the collapse of the Taliban regime, the most important issue is what the new government in Afghanistan will do and how it will affect the future of that country. These subjects are of interest not only to the Afghans but also to those in the Middle East and the rest of the world. The new Afghan government ought to be against all radical Islamic activities. Its goal should be to achieve long-term peace. SULEYMAN ZORAL Izmir, Turkey

Many people denounced the U.S.-led military action against the Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan, but it was a justified response to the unprovoked Sept. 11 attacks. Such terrorist acts are unacceptable in a civilized world and must be stopped by appropriately severe countermeasures. Let us give due credit to President George W. Bush, whose resolve to eradicate international terrorism has received full support and accolades from peace-loving nations throughout the world. JOEL R. HINLO Las Pinas, the Philippines

It is necessary to fight fire with fire and to fight reason with reason. So when Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Taliban leader, stated, "The real matter is the extinction of America, and God willing, it will fall to the ground," I was amazed that some Americans still proposed that an in-depth analysis of U.S. foreign policy was the way to change the contemptuous feelings of these fanatics. Wake up! The countries that resent our foreign policy should stop accepting U.S. financial aid. MARISSA DAVIDSON Covington, La.

The Case of John Walker

What John Walker did by leaving his California home and eventually fighting with the Taliban is treason [THE PRISONER, Dec. 17]. He was willing to bear arms for an organization that wants to destroy the U.S. I admire the restraint of those who captured him. I believe that if I had come upon him in Afghanistan, we wouldn't have had to face the problem of what to do with him. MELVIN HOUX Mancos, Colo.

I'm convinced that Walker has no idea what it means to be an American. KARLA MCLEAN Nipomo, Calif.

Walker is the Patty Hearst of 2001, pursuing an elusive, utopian vision that puts faith above humanity and ignores reality. He must now face that reality and accept responsibility for his actions. DON URNER Walnut Creek, Calif.

Walker deserves no compassion. He, at a minimum, stood by while fellow Americans were attacked and murdered in Afghanistan. He did nothing. The U.S. should prosecute Walker to the fullest extent possible. MATT O'CONNOR St. Louis, Mo.

Thinking Outside the Box