As America ramps up its surge in Afghanistan, both Afghans and outsiders wonder at the consequences of the planned drawdown afterwards. When the time comes, will we abandon this country once again, knowing that the Taliban and its international backers may use the opportunity to once more plunge the nation into hell? Can't we prevent this?

Looking back in history, we see a parallel theme from this last letter of Comrade Szmul Zygielbojm, of the Socialist Bund, written May 11, 1943. He committed suicide the following day:

To His Excellency

 

The President of the Republic of Poland, Wladyslaw Raczkiewicz; Prime Minister General Wladyslaw Sikorski

 

Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister:

 

I am taking the liberty of addressing to you, Sirs, these my last words, and through you to the Polish Government and the people of Poland, and to the governments and people of the Allies, and to the conscience of the whole world: The latest news that has reached us from Poland makes it clear beyond any doubt that the Germans are now murdering the last remnants of the Jews in Poland with unbridled cruelty. Behind the walls of the ghetto the last act of this tragedy is now being played out.