Letter from January 2002:

I have my doubts that "The Last Days of the Taliban" are truly upon us, although I wish it were so [THE MANHUNT, Dec. 17]. It is apparent that America is involved in a long and tedious war. During Vietnam, the media made it seem as if the U.S. were winning the war, but that was not the case. History repeats itself. If we jump the gun and think we have won a victory over terrorism, will we not arrive at the same result as in Vietnam? We must push our arrogance aside and maintain our focus. S. KYLE PAULY Manitowoc, Wis.