Letter to the Editor, January 11, 1980

This letter was written 21 years before 9/11 and long before the Pakistani secret police built up the Taliban, by my 29 year old self. I had no degrees and no access to classified information, just the experience of being on the left and some serious reading.I think it has stood the test of time pretty well.

I oppose the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, just as I opposed a Soviet invasion in 1968, when I was one of the handful that was moved to demonstrate at the Soviet embassy in Washington the night the troops went into Czechoslovakia.

I do not, however, support the knee-jerk reaction to the current invasion -- the renewed call for a stronger military and covert action by the U.S. overseas. Such actions will not contribute in any way to the defense of the people and culture of Afghanistan, or of the United States.

The Afghans deserve firm diplomatic support, and the support of mobilized world opinon.With that support, ultimately they will defeat these invaders, just as they have held off other invaders over thousands of years. They do not need covert action or military support from the United States. This kind of "support" only results in the creation of client states at best, and in the kind of devastation visitedon Cambodia and Laos at worst.

The same is true of an increased covert action or military presence in nearby countries, such as Pakistan. Such action would only add to tension in an already endangered area. Also, it contributes to the military strength of nations that may not always be "on our side."

As for the people of the United States, we have far more to fear than to gain from such action. Most of us do not need to be embroiled in Cold War games. Of course, a few Americans -- the David Rockefellers, the Henry Kissingers --- have a lot to lose in that area. But they are quite capable of defending their own interests. And we have already given enough hostages -- and dollars at the gas pump -- to their greed and clumsiness.