Afghanistan and Nicaragua

Surprise, the Soviets may not leave Afghanistan in February (“Soviets Suspend Afghan Pullout,” Part I, Nov. 5). The Soviets want a government of national reconciliation on their terms while the moujahedeen rebels and the United States will not accept the Soviet conditions, i.e., the Afghan government receives weapons and the moujahedeen do not.

Half way around the world on the same day the Soviets announced that they may increase aid to Nicaragua. Many Americans do not want us involved in either of these conflicts and are concerned with an active foreign policy, in general.

However, if these challenges are not dealt with directly, particularly in Central America, the situation will only grow worse as history clearly demonstrates.

All things being equal, allowing the Central American government to resolve this problem appears reasonable; unfortunately they are not equal. A Marxist government will not negotiate equal sharing of power.

This is a common problem America faces both in Afghanistan and Nicaragua. The only realistic answer is to continue applying pressure on the Marxist governments.

In addition to pressuring Nicaragua, the U.S. has to encourage surrounding Central American governments to build a middle class, to expand land ownership for the poor and to establish justice without terror.

Unfortunately, this approach will not work in Afghanistan since massive Soviet involvement precludes any reasonable solution.

ROBERT LEE COLLINS

Hermosa Beach