Reply to "Bush and Lies and Drugs and Videos"

The mujahadeen as a indigenous entity was a tool of the CIA to fight the Soviets. True, done in true Reagan fashion (drugs, arms , cash, etc.), it was extremely effective. That we left those fighters to themselves was not the policy (CIA operation) of that, or any administration. That they, the Taliban, found it prudent to create a fanatical state to foster terrorism was their choice, and they reaped the whirlwind for it.

A point that I would like to make. Your accusations of the administration lying in the U.S. as if it is an abomination of our process as a country. You write for a former fascist/socialist propaganda tool and support (whether conscience or not) two "sovereign" states founded on fear, summary execution and duplicity. The lies, if that is what they are, are for the forward progress of a nation that values it's presence globally, whomever is in charge. Not sure of your feelings on Clinton, but he was a prime example of this, just walked the other side of the street.

I would say that I thought your piece was original, but that in itself is a lie. True, the U.S. is the beacon that global news originates, but why don't you look in your new adopted back yard for some scandal/controversy? I am not certain if you are purely a columnist for non-russian issues, or you choose not to elaborate on such topics for fear of being stuffed in a trunk and dismembered by a corrupt politician, businessman, etc. We can still take care of our own here.

Thank you though truly, an evocative column.

Matt Donnelly
Philadelphia, PA

[Editor' note: This letter has not been edited].