Curtis McGrath undoubtedly speaks for many of the 26,000 Australian soldiers who fought in Afghanistan as he rightly shares his opinion on our recent withdrawal and the Taliban reoccupation. (ST, 22/8). While the invasion of Afghanistan may have triggered jihadist attacks on Western soil and no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq, our soldiers’ purpose was never futile. The amazing sacrifice of Curtis McGrath is of enormous value and remains timeless in its implications. Despots in the hellholes of the earth are reminded that free nations will not tolerate international bastardry like the World Trade Center attack. Even Libya’s Gaddafi markedly changed his behaviour, admitting to his own nuclear stockpiles. The fact many Afghan citizens want to migrate to our country speaks volumes to the good treatment and diplomacy projected by our troops. Curtis McGrath should hold is head high, knowing the seeds of freedom run deep in the psyche of the Afghan people because of his efforts The Taliban will be forced to be more accommodating and will find rebellion in its people if the excesses of the past re-emerge. Hoping that the Taliban’s days are numbered should serve as a panacea to his sleepless nights. Alan Sexton North Parramatta 29Aug2021.