PRAISE THE TALIBAN?

To the Editor:

Before we compliment the Taliban on eradicating poppy cultivation in
Afghanistan (letter, May 30), we should remember that this is the same
group of religious zealots that has virtually enslaved women in the name of
"pure" Islam and the same group that is in the business of exporting,
harboring and abetting terrorists.

Osama bin Laden, the most despised of modern terrorists, is being safely
sheltered by the Taliban. From this safe haven he is training terrorists
from around the world to destroy those governments that do not run their
administrations as prescribed by the Taliban's interpretation of Islam.

As a Muslim country, Afghanistan was not supposed to cultivate opium used
to turn people into addicts. Therefore, as a practicing Muslim, I don't see
that any credit is due to the Taliban for this accomplishment.

Mohammed Anwar Meah, M.D.
Paramus, N.J., May 30, 2001