After listening to President Barack Obama’s explanation for committing 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, I believe that, regardless of whether this particular plan will produce the desired result, we, as Americans, must continue the fight against the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack.

Our enemies are aware of our growing distaste for this eight-year-old war. We consider them madmen and zealots, but they are not ignorant. They are organized, well-funded and they are looking for an opportunity.

If we fail to respond, choosing rather to adopt the posture of a sitting target, they will eventually find that opportunity and we will pay dearly for this mistake.

Alan McFarlane, West Paris