Afghanistan

Re “Ruling by Starvation,” editorial, May 25: The major issue in Afghanistan is not as much ethnic rivalry between the Pushtuns and the Hazaras, as you have indicated, it is the rivalry among the regional powers, each of which is pursuing its narrow interest in Afghanistan and fueling the internal strife.

In the 19th century the “Great Game” was played by two superpowers (Britain vs. Russia), which kept Afghanistan stable and independent as a buffer. Currently, the game is being played by several regional powers, creating an oligopoly, which by its inherent nature creates instability and chaos. Peace will not come to Afghanistan by drawing the diametrically opposed leaders to the conference table, as American U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson tried and failed, but by getting the regional powers out of Afghanistan.

NAKE M. KAMRANY, Professor

Political Economy, USC