I WOULD like to add to the letters that have already been sent concerning the continuing waste of resources and lives in the Afghan conflict.
The war was started on the pretext of hunting Osama Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.
There was evidence that the Taliban (who were in power at the time) were on the point of surrendering Bin Laden.
As this was the case, it does not justify the most powerful country on this planet conducting a war of aggression against a defenceless people.
There are strong suspicions to suggest that the war was initiated because of vital mineral interests.
The huge oil reserves in central Asia are vital to Western interests and the oil pipeline passed through Afghanistan. This could be said to be one of the major motivating factors behind the decision to invade.
Another pretext for the invasion is that it would promote democracy and women's rights.
However, a strong case could be made that the actual outcome of the conflict is that this has not been the case.
An example is that a law was passed which is seen to 'legalise rape' within marriage.
There is also the argument about the drugs trade. Again, this is a false argument as opium production has increased in the last few years.
I believe only the withdrawal of foreign troops will provide the conditions for a lasting peace.
I was heartened to see the new Labour leader stating that the Iraq war was wrong. However, I would hope he goes further and calls for a withdrawal of troops and a negotiated solution in Afghanistan.
T TRAUB London, NW2
