THE TALIBAN FIGHT DRUGS

Taliban Ban On Drug Crops Is Working, U.S. Concludes (May 24, 2001)

To the Editor:

You report (front page, May 24) that the Taliban, "in one growing season,
managed a rare triumph in the long and losing war on drugs." And, you add,
"they did it without the usual multimillion-dollar aid packages that
finance police raids, aerial surveillance and crop subsidies for farmers."

We have to appreciate goodness from wherever it comes. The Taliban's
commitment to their principles (whatever their principles may be) is
unquestionable. Fear of punishment is of course a major factor in the ready
compliance of the Afghan farmers, but more important, it is the spirit of
doing what is right and avoiding what is sinful that drives the Taliban. We
must give them due praise for this job well done.

ABDUL REHMAN

Staten Island, May 24, 2001