Sir, - When reading Terence O'Malley's account of how the US is completely responsible for all that Afghanistan has endured over the past 20 years (Opinion, October 15th), it struck me that there must be some room in his piece for culpability by the Soviet Union. Sadly, I was mistaken.
To blame the US for all that has happened to Afghanistan over two decades is ludicrous. Before the five divisions of fraternal comrades descended on Afghanistan in 1979, it was a relatively stable country. Yes, the US provided aid to the mujahedeen, to oppose the spread of Communism as much as to aid in a fight for freedom. But the damage done to the infrastructure of the country, as well as the incessant mining, must be laid at the doors of the Soviet Union.
The US has made mistakes in the past, but we are always trying to bring freedom and self-determination to people unjustly repressed. And contrary to Mr O'Malley's suggestion, we do not drive the UN; we merely have to pay for most of its self-generosity. When countries such as Syria and the Sudan are elected to committees dealing with terrorism or human rights, the UN charter seems to lose its lustre for many Americans. However, we still give and give, send billions of dollars overseas in foreign aid, and provide food for refugees (I believe that I did see USA on most of those sacks of wheat on the UN trucks).
Here in the States we have a word, beginning with the letter "b", that would accurately describe what we think of Mr. O'Malley's opinions. In deference to your fine nation, however, I'll leave it at. . .blarney. - Yours, etc.,
Stephen R. Moore, Dallas, Maine, USA.