Afghanistan

In response to the editorial (July 30), “Afghanistan Bleeds On,” I feel that it is not perceiving the entire issue from a realistic point of view.

It is obvious that the Soviets won’t quit until all the resistance has been stamped out, regardless of how expensive or how long it takes. So this whole thing about Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s concession to withdraw 6,000 to 10,000 of the Soviet troops by the end of the year all adds up to one big propaganda move to buy time to pacify world opinion.

I do not believe the United States is doing much to aid the Afghans who are fighting for the right to run their own affairs. So far we have shouted all sorts of oral condemnation; but in truth we have not done much in terms of aid to these freedom fighters.

This issue should not be merely viewed as a political campaign, because for the Afghans it is a question of the principle of national sovereignty. I say to Washington: the time has come for action, not just political rhetoric. We must do everything possible, except direct intervention, to aid these desperate people who have in the six years of bitter fighting seen their land devastated and their homes demolished.

The Soviet Union cannot be trusted to keep its word. Instead of delivering on their promises, recent news suggested that they were preparing to start another offensive against the Afghan guerrillas. As I said before, actions speak louder than words. The Soviets have no intention whatsoever until their brutal plot of conquest has succeeded.

WINSON LIU

San Marino