Don’t accept Putin’s values on Afghanistan

I HAVE seen and heard quotes from many news sources, words to the effect that what has happened in Afghanistan shows that our “attempt to impose Western values” throughout the world is a failed cause.

So it might be if it actually meant that we were imposing them.

But quite clearly many Afghanis jumped at the chance of education for women; freedom to choose what you wear and how you behave; listening to the music you wish to; opportunities for advancement and a higher standard of living; justice that is not arbitrary; a chance to influence how your government works; playing sports; not being bossed about in the streets by gunmen.

Everyone knows what these are and, I believe, most people want them. Those who seem to advocate drawing back from promoting things like these should note that President Putin, during his recent talks with Chancellor Merkel, was reported to have said that “We must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

Anyone who finds themselves ageeing about values with President Putin should probably think again.

John Morrissey, Belper