I AM writing to congratulate our victorious allies, the Northern Alliance, in their defeat of the Taliban forces at Mazar-e-Sharif.

I am also writing because of the deafening silence greeting such a victory. This victory freed thousands of men, women and children from a regressive regime who treated women and girls as inhuman, much as the Nazis treated the Jews.

Unfortunately, as reports have indicated, eight Alliance forces were killed in this victory.

Their lives were given in a just cause and their families can be assured they gave their lives so that others may live. There is no greater sacrifice. The liberation of a country, by their own people, is a cause for celebration.

Where is the celebration from women's liberation groups? Where is the celebration from our Afghan refugees who came here to escape this regime?

Surely this victory gives them cause to hope they can return in safety to their homeland to live in peace? Where is the celebration from our politicians who sent us into this conflict?

Let us all rejoice and thank God for this victory, so that we may live in peace.

Peter Greenhalgh

Belmont Road

Astley Bridge, Bolton