Recent US Government claims to have consistently opposed the Taliban regime in Afghanistan are somewhat undermined by the fact that, until 1998, the US supported the regime - both politically and militarily.
Support was given in order to secure the construction of a pipeline that would give access to huge oil and gas reserves in central Asia.
A pipeline through Afghanistan would avoid areas of Chinese and Russian influence and thus strengthen America's hold on the region, while making large profits.
This supportive policy changed soon after the US oil company, Unocal, pulled out of negotiations with the Taliban.
The campaign to install a pro-US government in Afghanistan should be seen in this light.
-Jez Macdonald, Carlyle Street, Brighton
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article