Editorial: We need an abundance of patience

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | 8:57 a.m.

Just a week ago armchair generals criticized the United States' military strategy in Afghanistan. Bombs dropped from U.S. military planes weren't viewed as potent enough to dislodge the Taliban regime and Osama bin Laden from their strongholds in the cities and countryside. Many of the same pundits contended that U.S. ground troops should be deployed to accelerate the war effort. But just as these calls for more action reached a high pitch, the Northern Alliance advanced rapidly after the Taliban's forces suddenly retreated from key cities over the weekend. The rout of the Taliban occurred so quickly it was difficult at times over the past few days just to keep up with the Northern Alliance's progress.

It was great to see Afghans liberated from the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Men lined up so barbers could shave off their beards, which had been required by the Taliban. Music, which had been banned, finally could be heard in the streets of Kabul, the capital city. Women could actually walk in public with their faces revealed, a practice that had been prohibited by the Taliban. The euphoria in that nation is to be expected after years of living under such harsh authoritarian rule, but Americans should view cautiously the Northern Alliance's capture of Afghanistan's major cities.

For starters, the Northern Alliance is a loosely knit group that doesn't always get along. There also is bad blood between the Northern Alliance and the people who live in southern Afghanistan. For that matter, the neighboring nation of Pakistan is very worried about the Northern Alliance and whether it will bring about more instability to the region, a concern that was heightened after reports surfaced about allegations of atrocities committed by the Northern Alliance.

Militarily, the Taliban and bin Laden's forces may be retreating into the mountains, but they can still carry out a guerrilla war in Afghanistan -- and even wage war on the United States if his terrorist cells still are operating here. The people of the United States have said they understand that a war on terrorism could take years. Our resolve will be put to the test, though, as televised images of a liberated Afghanistan could make some people think that the worst is over. We must not forget the more than 5,000 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11. Justice will occur only when bin Laden and all the other terrorists and the nations that prop them up are vanquished.