Holland’s a rare jewel! It’s time other nations realize that integrity, intelligence and tolerance are the way to solve some of the problems they have been aggressively, yet unsuccessfully, fighting. Holland is playing a lonely game while countries like Hungary jail single-time marijuana users for two years, keep gay issues hushed and deny and condemn euthanasia. If the Netherlands can’t change the world, at least it will be able to hang on to what it’s got. Monika Ford–Budapest, Hungary
I enjoyed your piece on my country, but I must tell you, Holland no more wants to change the world than it wants the world to change it. Although we’ve been globe-trotters since the beginning of time, once back home we look inward, carefully blending in what we brought home from abroad even if we’re unaware that we’ve done so. World influence isn’t really built on economic or military strength. Only broadly accepted mainstream ideologies that traverse cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries will stand the test of time. Nico Huizinga–Amman, Jordan
Having lived in Amsterdam for two years now, I read your articles with great interest. Ron Gerring says, “I see Holland as having only two rules: don’t hurt anybody, and don’t steal anything.” Evidently, Gerring doesn’t own a bike or have friends who have had theirs stolen. He must not own a car or have experienced car-radio thefts. He must live in an armory where break-ins have not occurred. He must be one of the fortunate few who have never had their pocket picked on the No. 5 tram. Lucky guy! I just wish others here thought these two rules existed, too. Rita Jolly–Amsterdam, Netherlands
Your article about the Netherlands was on the whole fair and accurate. People living in America may be apt to gasp at what they regard as the hedonistic lifestyle here and the ultraliberal legislation of the last few years, but having lived in this charming, very pleasant land for nearly 24 years, I can tell you that this is the most normal place on earth. Most people do not live in “evil” Amsterdam, but in small towns and villages. The Netherlands is, in fact, one big suburb. It’s the most sane and tolerant society in which I’ve ever lived, and I admire the Dutch for their innate decency and common sense. After all, if a situation does not affect you personally, why should you make a fuss about it? It does not hurt me if my neighbors are gay or smoke pot in the privacy of their own home or choose to have an abortion, so I can only respect those choices. This is a nation of 16 million people crammed into a very small space, so tolerance for others’ beliefs and practices is the only way in which we can all live together without constant clashes. I wish other societies could learn the methods of compromise so expertly practiced here. There might be fewer wars. Betsy Tels–Eindhoven, Netherlands
Clueless in America? Thanks for your report on the U.S. stock market (“Weathering the Storm,” BUSINESS, March 26).What a relief to be one of the 50 percent of Americans who aren’t losing money in the market! And to think, we used to be sorry that our budgets didn’t have room for investments. Now we’ve been spared the stress of having to cancel exotic vacations and face-lifts. After watching from the sidelines while investors gleefully boasted about the fortunes they were making in the market, are we supposed to feel sorry for them now? We know all too well how hard it is to stretch a budget. As for seniors who spend their time on the golf course worrying about their investments, I’ll save my sympathy for the seniors working at McDonald’s so they can buy food and medicine. Caroline Beierschmitt–Chester, Virginia
With the article “A Bad Case Of ‘Mad Dow’ Disease” (BUSINESS, March 26), your Wall Street Editor Allan Sloan proves once again that he has an excellent sense of humor as well as a very high level of economic common sense. Those heavily invested in the Nasdaq during its “bubble phase” probably didn’t find this particular piece of Sloan’s as funny as I did, but if they had been following his message of economic reason, they would have recognized the recent technology-investment boom as a repeat of similar occurrences with tulips, railroads, autos, radio and other trends, all of which were destined for eventual, severe correction. If Sloan were to start an investment advisory sheet, I’d be the first to subscribe. James W. Reed–Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
What’s with the retro image that ran with your “Weathering the Storm” article about economic recession? The woman, dressed in a sexy leather outfit (which no woman would ever wear in the rain, but that’s another matter), is desperately clinging to her man while he strongly faces forward, single-handedly protecting his family. Haven’t you heard? Women now often handle their own, and their families’, money–and they can hold their own umbrellas, too. Wendy Weiner–New York, New York
How clueless and spoiled you make Americans sound! Someone had to cancel a face-lift–that’s hardship? A Dallas family saves money by buying frozen pizza? Try rice and beans! And it’s irresponsible to keep a house at 75 degrees when global warming is trashing the planet. I grew up two suburbs over from Rocky River so don’t tell me how cold it is: put on a flannel shirt. Maybe a recession would be a good reality check for you weaklings up there. Eric Timar–Tegucigalpa, Honduras
As a former New Yorker who has had a happy married life in Italy for the past 33 years, I can’t bring myself to shed tears over the various distresses lamented in your pictures and story. With the astronomical prices of oil and its derivatives in this country–and the region I live in can be very cold–we wish we could keep our room temperature at “a brisk 65 degrees” Fahrenheit. We’re accustomed to an extra sweater or shawl–room temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees have had no ill effects on our family. As for the lady who had to give up a face-lift, less time in front of a mirror and some involvement in volunteer programs might help a return to reality. I’m still a believer in the veracity of NEWSWEEK’s reportage: please do not induce me to think this one was a put-on. Roberta Groos–Perugia, Italy
Correction
title: “International Mail Call” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-06” author: “Shawn Poage”
Combating Terror The attack in New York was an act of insane terror that can’t be tolerated and must result in the punishment of the perpetrators. But we should not forget that the real question is not “Who has done it?” but “Why was it done?” America should ask itself how a great nation, envied by many, can be hated by so many others. What went wrong with the “free world,” and when and where did it go wrong? This question has to be asked by the American people, and not just its leaders. Any future act by America needs to be supported by all nations on this globe.
Heinz Hartmann
Upplands-Vasby, Sweden
Ken Woodward’s “A Peaceful Faith, A Fanatic Few” (The Fallout, Sept. 24) was unique in squarely facing the central issue by pointing out the need for “self-policing” by Muslims. The editorials by Muslims calling for peace, American Muslims praying for the victims and our educated elite scolding angry Americans for anti-Islamic outbursts don’t change the fact that the only way to stop Islamic extremists is from the inside. This needs to be done by American Muslims who not only choose freedom for themselves, but are willing to sacrifice for the freedom of all Americans. Burke’s saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” applies across religious boundaries.
Mike Nesemann
Singapore
The irresponsible foreign policy of the Bush administration and the biased U.S. support of Israel have played a significant role in the World Trade Center tragedy, by having brought desperation, humiliation and frustration to the Palestinian people and a feeling of discrimination shared by the entire Muslim world. There is no way to halt terrorism unless the causes are tackled. It is distressing to see that the world is being drawn into what has been a consequence of failed American politics.
Alex Miro
Essen, Germany
As a European, I am insulted by President Bush’s words, “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” I can’t believe a president can say something like this and get away with it. I don’t like the politics of the United States, but I do like Americans. I also like Arabs. I’ve spent much time traveling in Arab countries and found Arabs very hospitable. I am not in support of President Bush, someone who is against the Kyoto Protocol and who stood against the U.N. Conference on racism in Durban. And I am not in support of the “First World War of the new century.”
Paul Bohlen
Illnau, Switzerland
If Muslims adhere to their Islamic faith as they claim to, they must take it upon themselves to weed out the zealots within their ranks or endure the prejudice of the civilized world.
Carlos R. Manabat, M.D.
Cabanatuan City, Philippines
Americans and Europeans are nervous after what happened on Sept. 11. But when America and its allies were killing civilians in Iraq, when the Russians were killing civilians in Chechnya and when Israel kills Israeli civilians, what does the United Nations say? Why must the Muslim world suffer? If bin Laden is responsible for the terror of Sept. 11, it is not the Afghan people who should have to pay for that.
Jhummun Muhammed Riad
Mt. Blanche, Mauritius
Sept. 11 was a cruel and unprecedented attack on ordinary people. We should remember those who died with love and try to make the world a safer place for everyone regardless of nationality, income or religion. The number of people who died in New York is smaller than the number who were killed in Srebrenica, when NATO pulled out of Bosnia. It is slightly larger than the number of children who die of hunger and disease in one month in Iraq and it is about the same number of people who die of malaria every two days.
Georg Strom
Lejre, Denmark
Americans are too ignorant to know what their government does outside of their own country. They need to realize that many people in the world, while shocked by this tragedy, regard it as a consequence of American foreign policy. Unless the U.S. government revises its double-standard foreign policies–such as supporting Israeli oppression of Palestinian people while accusing other countries of human-rights violations–the hatred of the United States will never end. Retaliation will only fuel more hatred and the cycle of violence. The U.S. government needs to sincerely try to help those people who are left out of the wealth of globalization.
Momo Ohta
Otaru, Japan
Regarding your ongoing coverage of the terrorist attack, I hope that we will be less in favor of military retaliation. We are not a nation united–a large number of us are adamantly against more loss of innocent lives and feel that the road to peace will be found in honestly confronting why we are in this situation, such as our destructive foreign policy, our support of violent governments, our training of terrorists and the privatization of airport staffing. Also, many of us do not share in the adulation of George W. Bush, but rather we see him as using this situation to further his big-oil and military-industrial-complex agenda.
Heather Sutherland
Folsom, California
When will the people and industries of America punish the other guilty party responsible for the outrages on its soil–the CIA? It is now clear that the CIA failed utterly in its duty to protect the American people, which is what it is paid to do. Might it not also be held legally accountable for this massive intelligence failure and be obliged to pay compensation?
K. J. Cronin
Nottingham, England
On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 6,000 Americans died because government employees did not do their job of protecting our people. They allowed not one, not two or three, but four commercial airplanes to be boarded and hijacked. The government and media call this an atrocity perpetrated by ruthless terrorists. It certainly was that, but it was also criminal negligence. Why don’t the media point this out and demand that those responsible be held accountable? Could anyone in the private sector causing such a catastrophe avoid jail? Or at least the loss of his job? Twenty-four hours after the FAA allowed planes to fly again, Boston’s Logan airport, from which two of the hijackings started, failed the security check. Yet no one has lost his job, let alone been charged with the crime. Kids should go to jail for using drugs; drivers go to jail when their carelessness kills others; corporate leaders are held responsible when at fault; Timothy McVeigh was executed for his despicable act. Why are those who are sworn to–and paid to–protect Americans not subjected to the same scrutiny, and made to pay for their crimes? Where is “justice for all”?
Robert Reason
St. Charles, Missouri
Taliban leaders have asked their Afghan and Arab followers to leave terrorist campaigns in Indian Kashmir and the Middle East and return to Afghanistan to fight American and allied forces. The bin Laden networks, the Taliban and Pakistan-based terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-i-Taiba and Harkat ul-Mujahedin always support each other. International efforts must target all of them in order to eradicate global terrorism.
Vipul Thakore
London, England
I sympathize with the good people of America and share their grief and horror over these despicable terrorist attacks. The world can understand their need for justified revenge. But the United States is again doing it the wrong way. Pakistan is not a stable or reliable friend to take help from. It has its own internal and external economic, financial and political problems. What’s more, there is no popular support for helping the United States in Pakistan. And America has a history of ignoring the wishes of the local people and propping up unreliable heads of state. In the long run, all of this has backfired against the States and alienated the people of these nations. The simple truth is that the United States does not need Pakistan–it can build a coalition with Russia and/or Iran to root out terrorists from Afghanistan. At this juncture, Pakistan’s leaders have a very narrow self-interest in helping the United States. But this will not be helpful to America or to the cause of antiterrorism. Instead, it may become the kiss of death for the current leadership in Pakistan. So America should think carefully before forming such unstable alliances. It might be well to remember the adage: “The only thing one learns from history is that no one ever learns anything from history.”
Mohan Sivaswamy
Auckland, New Zealand
As one who has Afghan parents, both of whom not only are peace-loving Muslims but also appreciate America, I’d like to respond to President Bush’s Sept. 20 speech. He summed it up best: “Afghanistan’s people have been brutalized. Many are starving and many have fled. Women are not allowed to attend school. You can be jailed for owning a television. Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate. A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.” On Sept. 11, my fellow Americans fell victim to the same regime that has repressed Afghans for the last many years. I’m reminded of a poem by the anti-Nazi activist Pastor Martin Niemoller: “They came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew… Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.” However, not much will change if the world simply condemns the ruling group in Kabul; we can’t expect change to come from within Afghanistan, because Afghans are held hostage by the current regime. The thing to do? The United States and the world powers need to stop the genocide by rooting out the terrorist camps in Afghanistan. They need to support the setting up of a democratically elected government in Afghanistan under U.N. auspices. And then to help with the return of the exiled Afghan intellectuals, bureaucrats and technocrats. America sees itself as the savior of freedom and democracy. So when will it help stop the misery in Afghanistan? We may not be white like the Bosnians or rich in oil like the Kuwaitis, but we need the world community’s help just as much. Please free the people of Afghanistan and restore humanity in that country.
Mir Hekmatullah Sadat
San Diego, California
Why is having an identity card considered a loss of freedom and civil liberty? Opponents say it would be the beginning of a police state, but under the new circumstances an ID card for every U.S. citizen and resident is an obvious necessity as a first step toward defending the American way of life. In Italy, it is against the law not to have your ID with you at all times. And it’s no worse than carrying a driver’s license. In this “new world,” are Americans not willing to change?
James Raymond
Milan, Italy
The Sept. 11 terror was of such magnitude and insolence that people the world over agree it must not go unpunished. But peace-loving people notice that a military retaliation looks increasingly inevitable, with every possibility of its growing into a protracted war that will hurt and kill many more innocent people. While Osama bin Laden and his associates (or any government that has harbored him or supported his terrorist activities) can find no sympathy in the civilized world, a military retaliation would be a show of brute force that eventually achieves little more than restoring America’s hurt pride. Bin Laden’s strength lies not in his direct involvement in such acts but in his ability to spread his word and brainwash young Muslim zealots. He’s sown the seeds of hatred in thousands of youngsters who have joined “cells” throughout the Islamic world. These independent units of terror need no further instruction from bin Laden to perpetuate their violent jihads. A dead Osama bin Laden wouldn’t stop terrorism as we know it; there would be more Osamas out there who might emulate and avenge him once he has been martyred in a U.S.-led war. More U.S. targets around the world might be subjected to the terror that hit the World Trade Center. A clear-eyed affirmative and responsive reaction is now due, but it should not be a military response. A war in the much-ravaged but treacherous terrain of Afghanistan could spread across Asia, destabilizing a precariously installed peace, forestalling economic recovery and killing countless numbers of innocents–like those who died in the WTC.
Shan-Meng Chung
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
title: “International Mail Call” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-18” author: “Solomon Edwards”
The most important battle in the war against Islamic terrorism must take place within the Islamic world itself. It is time for decent, civilized followers of Islam to finally stand up to the evil in their midst. Jonathan Hayssen Bangkok, Thailand
For more than 50 years, U.S. leadership has sustained world peace, progress and justice. We have dedicated ourselves to assuring freedom of the human spirit. But our failure to provide full security to the American people has shaken the nation devastated by this terrible carnage and has stunned the whole world. It is high time that we reviewed our foreign policy in the Middle East. Dan Chellumben Amboise, France
I would like to express my deepest sorrow over the unimaginably cruel acts of terror in New York and Washington, D.C. Shocked and horrified, we see pictures of unprecedented destruction and inconceivable assassination of innocent people. My heart and thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. Roswitha Winkler Olpe, Germany
Where to begin? It’s hard to find the right words to explain my fear and my lack of understanding. One thing is certain: Europe is by America’s side. Sept. 11 was a real nightmare not only for the States but also for European countries. France’s daily newspaper Le Monde said what everybody here thinks: “Nous sommes tous Americains,” that is to say, “We are all Americans.” I agree. When you hurt America, all the world cries. I will never forget this bloody, black Tuesday. In memory of the innocents: God bless America. Thevenet Fabien Quincy Sous Senart, France
In the sorrow, anger and passion of the moment, I hope that the United States and its citizens differentiate between Islam and the actions of some of its adherents. In every religion there is an extremist fringe element that defiles the name of that religion with unholy actions. In order to root out this problem, we must remove not only the terrorists but the reasons behind their existence. That requires everyone’s help. Mazri Muhammad Kota Baharu, Malaysia
The United States should reassess its Middle East policies in light of the World Trade Center tragedy. U.S. backing of the Israeli government despite Israel’s bullying tactics of grabbing Palestinian land and building illegal settlements has angered hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. Pakistan, Afghanistan’s next-door neighbor, has already developed a nuclear bomb. It is within the realm of possibility that Osama bin Laden could gain access to a nuclear weapon sooner or later. Is the United States willing to gamble the lives of its citizens just so Israel can steal more land from the Palestinians? Danilo Garcia Manila, Philippines
I am Chinese, and I am completely shocked by the tragedies that took place in New York and Washington, D.C. My family and I express our most sincere condolences to the American people. We share and feel your pain, and we support you, America. Zhang Zhujun Wuhan City, China
Sure, it’s terrible, but do Americans remember all the things they did in the last century? For example, in the middle of the Monica Lewinsky affair, President Bill Clinton bombed a foreign country, killing people just to cover up his own pathetic mess. And don’t forget the dictatorships in South America, and Operation Desert Storm. Most of America’s “enemies” have been America’s “friends” in the past. The U.S. government fed Osama bin Laden as well as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Terrorist incidents are the result of the U.S. political strategy. Lucio Etchamendi Montevideo, Uruguay
It is very important at this time to enlist the support of our friends and others in destroying the root of terrorism. It is an international problem and will be eradicated only with full international support. It is also important that, as Americans, we’re not alone. As a civilized nation, let’s be patient and identify the perpetrators before we begin to avenge this heinous crime. Yes, our home was attacked, but we need friends to solve this problem: one doesn’t make friends, when inflicting pain and sorrow on innocent people, with a reactionary, quick-fix response. John Winters Brodhead, Wisconsin
I work for one of the airlines whose aircraft was used as a missile in this recent tragedy. I cannot overemphasize the importance of making the cockpit inaccessible from the passenger cabin. That flimsy door and its useless lock put our pilots in the charge of hijackers and make us all an easy, tempting target. They proved it with every hijacking on Sept. 11. What will it take to make this obvious, and most important, security measure a legal requirement? Every aircraft cabin and flight attendant has a key to the cockpit, and it’s no secret that those keys often go missing. Pilots can live without our inflight companionship and service if it means saving thousands of lives. Cockpits should be sealed off now. As an airline employee, I’m not allowed to talk publicly about security or company policy, so I cannot sign my name. Name Withheld via Internet
In an age and at a time when aircraft are being hijacked with mere knives, the United States could overcome this new evil, not by spending money on missile defense, but by building better intelligence systems and by training pilots and flight attendants on domestic flights in antiterrorist skills. Chandrika Fonseka Colombo, Sri Lanka
It’s time we had a video black box on airplanes. We have video security everywhere else; why not on planes? If the pilot could view the cabin, he may have a valuable few seconds to react to a hijacking. If this video is streamed into the control tower, there would even be more time to react. Not to mention evidence after a tragedy. Marilyn Evans Helena, Montana
I am not writing to express my anger toward the terrorists. I’m writing about those few Americans who have threatened the well-being of Arab- and Muslim Americans. We cannot be angry with terrorists and then lash out against people simply because of their race or religion. It makes us no different from terrorists. We must look at ourselves in the mirror and ask if we would like to be judged, and convicted, on the basis of our race. Tasha Sorrell Panama City Beach, Florida
It seems as if evil has taken a bite out of the Big Apple. Our hearts go out to the people of America, and I can only hope that you will take some comfort in the fact that your grief and revulsion are shared by millions around the world. The men, women and children of this planet will never be safe as long as these evil people lurk among us. Their actions spring from a dedication that will never diminish. The only option America–and the world–has is to destroy them before they do more harm. The world is not a naturally peaceful place, it is up to civilized nations to make it so. To the people of America, I say, God bless you. Barry Meikle Mutare, Zimbabwe
I’m from France, a country that may seem far from America, but I’d like to tell the American people that we in France are thinking of you. We’re shocked, sad and angry. I am totally horrified. America, you are not alone in this. The world is with you. Christelle Duquesnoy Pont-De-Cheruy, France
It seems now as if we are gearing up for a world war and nobody knows how to stop it. I do not appreciate what President Bush is saying. When he talks about the war of good against evil, he sounds not much different from the Islamic terrorists he’s fighting. It’s time to use our heads and figure out how we can defend ourselves against terrorist attacks. I know Americans want revenge and a strong military reaction, but this won’t solve the problem. We must be prepared for other attacks. Bombing the states that hide and support terrorists won’t stop them: for every terrorist we kill, another is ready to take his place. We know that they become stronger and gain more support when there are conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, such as the intifada and the bombing of Iraq. We cannot let Arab children grow up in fear and anger. The West’s strongest weapon is democracy. We must persuade Israel and the Palestinians to reach an agreement, to stop the violence and the killings–on both sides–and reduce the presence of the United States in that region. When they have peace, democracy and welfare, fewer people will join Osama bin Laden. Massimiliano Ruggeri Rome, Italy
Beware of Western hysteria! Of course everyone around the world with any common sense and with a heart is shocked by the terrorist attack on the States. It is a human tragedy, a devastation. Unfortunately, Western countries have all been too eager to jump to conclusions and to come to America’s rescue. Muslims everywhere are being perceived as dangerous criminals, as terrorists by birth. It’s also sad to see how much help and solidarity the world’s rich and powerful countries are offering America, whereas in Africa, Asia and South America people die from disease, hunger and natural disasters. It’s sad that spontaneous generosity divides the “white world” from the rest, the north from the south, the rich from the poor. Buildings have been bombed, capitals destroyed and people killed by the intensity and ruthlessness of NATO and the United States. Baghdad and Belgrade have been the most recent targets. But because the “world” looks through the eyes of Western media and Western leaders, it seems to belong to the happy few who can laugh and cry, talk and mourn, and do whatever they want with an arrogance that flouts wisdom and truth. Rishy Bukoree Curepipe, Mauritius
I salute the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 for their heroic attempt to take back the control of the airplane from the terrorists. If they had not done so, I cannot imagine what the next target would have been. Perhaps the White House? These are heroes we should remember. My condolences to the people of the United States for their immense loss. Jonathan Oon Penang, Malaysia
Tempting and convenient as it may be, taking a simplistic approach to great tragedies is fraught with risk. It horrifies me to see the manner in which some politicians are trying to explain the disasters of New York in just one word–terrorism. What the perpetrators of this horrendous crime have done is absolutely wrong. It is perhaps much greater in impact and magnitude than the first wrong to which this tragedy can be seen as a reaction. Two wrongs do not make a right. It would be even a greater tragedy if some decision makers try to redress the situation with a third wrong. What we need is a calm and mature handling of the problem. Thorough and patient investigations must be made to find, catch and suitably punish those who planned and executed this crime. A temptation to raid innocent civilians in certain countries just to teach the terrorists a lesson should be resisted. Such raids do not teach a lesson to anybody; they simply serve to intensify the hatred and fuel the urge to act stealthily. And even more important is the need to dispassionately and earnestly find and analyze the causes that led to this massacre. Prof. Safdar A. Butt M. A. Jinnah University Islamabad, Pakistan
title: “International Mail Call” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-22” author: “Virgil Greer”
Rationalizing an Invasion?
Congratulations on your article “(Over)selling the World on War” (June 9). It brought into sharp focus the sheer ineptitude, spin and downright dishonesty of the American leadership in the run-up to the war in Iraq. And the ineptitude continues: witness the chaos in Iraq and the negative attitude of the American authorities to a visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency inspection team. It would be laughable if the situation was not so dangerous and full of potentially tragic consequences. Americans are rightly describing themselves as “in charge as the occupying power.” That is indeed the case since the pretense of “liberation” is now gone. President George W. Bush’s declaration that “if you’re not with us, you are against us” was absurd. Instead of criticizing its friends, America should be impressed that “old Europe” had the experience and the intelligence not to be taken in by the deceit. Henry Ashenden Shoeburyness, England
Osama bin Laden knocked down the Twin Towers and killed nearly 3,000 innocent people. George W. Bush and Tony Blair attacked a sovereign state that was not at war with any country and killed more than 6,000 innocent people. I wonder, which of them is the greater terrorist? Peter Gleeson Kildare, Ireland
How long will it take to unearth weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? As long as it takes to occupy Iraq or to plant back devices that were sent there in the first place when Saddam was considered a decent enough proxy to help fight Iran? In its effort to counter the Soviet invasion, the United States fostered the mujahedin in Afghanistan, only to fight them later from cave to cave in search of bin Laden. Now, wouldn’t you say the United States has a consistent record of feeding the wrong bird in recent history? J. F. Zveguintzoff Paris, France
There is no link between Iraq and Al Qaeda, and Saddam’s Iraq did not have sufficient WMD to defend its own capital, let alone the “clear and imminent” danger necessary in international law to justify an invasion by the United States and Britain. The only reason for the war with Iraq was that the United States needed a new Middle East base to replace Saudi Arabia, from which it is being expelled. As for Tony Blair, he is a patsy and has lost the trust of this country. Paul Walter Newbury, England
It is sad that governments of supposedly respectable Western democracies like Britain and the United States could manipulate and misuse intelligence reports to unfairly justify a war of graft on Iraq. How can those of us in this part of the world continue to look up to the West for lessons of democracy, good governance and leadership when its governments are losing respect and credibility by actions like these? Njei M. Timah Castro Douala, Cameroon
The WMD issue is a red herring. After all, North Korea flaunts its WMD program. The issue is the security of the American people in view of September 11.
The only justification for a pre-emptive war on Iraq is proof of its active sponsorship of Al Qaeda. In his speech at the U.N. Security Council, Secretary of State Colin Powell offered only a halfhearted attempt to show this connection. Victor L. Badillo Quezon City, Philippines
President Nixon had to leave office in shameful disgrace for having lied to the American people about the Watergate burglary and the subsequent attempt at covering up the whole mess, even though it did not kill anyone. When will President Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Paul Wolfowitz and, sadly, even Colin Powell leave for lying to the American people and the whole world on the subject of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction? Thanks to their lies, scores of young American and British soldiers and uncounted numbers of Iraqis–soldiers and civilians–have been killed in the ensuing debacle. Jean-Pierre Blanc Paris, France
U.S. casualties in Vietnam during the era of direct involvement (1961-1973) were more than 50,000 dead; South Vietnamese casualties were estimated at more than 500,000, and Viet Cong and North Vietnamese at more than 900,000, thanks to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the falsification of the ground situation. Thirty years later, as the story unfolds in Iraq, the lies and deception are back again. Probal K. Ghosh Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
President Bush and his hard-liners have spent hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. taxpayers’ money to let U.S. oil companies get hold of Iraqi oil. That is why the Iraqi Oil Ministry was the only government building that was not bombed, and all the files concerning future oilfields were confiscated. They have inflicted death and misery on the Iraqis in order to let Bush enter his re-election campaign with a victory in war. But neither Osama bin Laden nor Saddam Hussein have been captured. And the latest anthrax was found floating around on an old military base in Maryland. So when the question is asked, how can Bush maintain support at home and abroad, it is to be hoped that he does not, and that the American people discover that they have been badly misled. Knut Erik Hougen Bergerac, France
A Democracy in Iraq?
Fareed Zakaria’s excellent analysis “How to Win the Peace” (April 21) could not have come at a better time for me and my countrymen in Nigeria, where we held elections this year. Though some international observers declared it a peaceful and fair indicator of Nigeria’s democratic experiment, most Nigerians know exactly what happened. The ruling rogue party elite, headed by an autocratic former Army strongman, masterminded a massive vote-rigging operation aided by a totally corrupt security force and electoral organization to steal victory from an impoverished, depressed populace, who has been suffering from a battered economy in a country that is the sixth largest producer of oil in the world. Despite the elections, no one expects the terrible economic situation in Nigeria to change. Emmanuel (Chike) Offokaja Lagos, Nigeria
The overoptimistic tone in your report about Iraq’s future is disturbing. Why should the Iraqi people all of a sudden subscribe to Western theories about democracy? In Saddam’s time the flow of information was suppressed, and Iraqis were led to believe that the Baath Party represented democracy. New experiences have taught them that democracy also comes accompanied by rockets, tanks and food parcels. These confusing messages are not helping them understand Western-style democracy better. Many will follow their ayatollahs or simply support those who pay them the most or offer seductive promises. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s statement that Iraq will not be run by clerics may prove very unrealistic. In difficult times, people tend to turn to the only authorities they have left. Sture Gadd Helsinki, Finland
“How to win the peace”? It is already too late. The Iraqi people have been left without water, food and electricity. They were helpless before looters. Soldiers had orders to look the other way as schools and hospitals were looted and destroyed. They have no confidence in a United States that now looks as though it wants to exploit their country. An even bigger tragedy was the destruction of Iraq’s National Library, a disaster like the burning of the library in Alexandria centuries ago. Thousands of old manuscripts and books have disappeared. These were unique and priceless, an invaluable treasure of human history. Mesopotamia was the birthplace of civilization, but who in the present U.S. administration knows that or cares? The U.S. government valued Iraq’s oil wells more than 5,200 years of history and art. Alain Sabard Morigny, France
Zakaria’s article on the challenges of creating a democracy in Iraq was very informative and thought-provoking. He did, however, leave out one great success story in his analysis of recent democracies: South Africa. This mineral-rich, multiethnic police state reinvented itself through protracted and, at times, hostile negotiations to emerge as a full-fledged democracy. The only blot on the horizon, as Zakaria accurately states, is “the need for law and order.” It is the unacceptably high crime rate and the impotence of the police force and politicians to handle it that cause South Africans such distress. If crime could be brought under control, it would truly be an example of how various cultures, different races and a wide spectrum of religions can coexist in harmony. Nelson Mandela’s Rainbow Nation is a model of tolerance and perseverance in the face of great odds. Would that we could all carry in us just a spark of that great man! Wendi Kruger Mallow, Ireland
The management style of the Bush government and the conflict of interests within its ruling inner circle of rich oil-men turned politicians are combining to increase anger, fear and bitterness, and fuel anti-West hatred and violence. These oil-men/politicians’ conflict of interests causes deep suspicion and resentment throughout the world. The failure to find any WMD, and the decision by the U.S. and British governments to bypass NATO and put Iraqi oil directly under U.S. control for one year (enough time to arrange a pro-Bush oil infrastructure?), confirm our worst fears. The U.S. government’s arrogance, cultural ignorance and increasing extremism is dangerous. Is Afghanistan free? Is Iraq free? This problem with the U.S. leadership won’t go away. We need a new leadership that can build relationships based on mutual respect. Michael Gourley Brighton, England
Zakaria’s analysis that America alone is capable of establishing liberal democracy in Iraq preceded by rule of law, respect for human rights and religious tolerance has the trappings of a bardlike oration. While the liquidation of Saddam’s repressive regime has been welcomed by the Shiites, Kurds and Turkomans in Iraq, no one believes that the war was waged for liberating these ethnic groups and not for the spoils of Iraqi oil. If purging terror groups and destruction of WMD were the real objectives of invading Iraq, the better candidate for such a mission would have been Pakistan, where the head of state is a military dictator who has usurped power by overthrowing a democratically elected prime minister. With such a person being America’s trusted antiterror alliance partner, how can Zakaria contend that America alone can establish democracy in Iraq? Another question he skirts is the role of Islam in promoting development and democracy in theocratic Arab countries. Isn’t Islamic democracy a contradiction in terms? Sharad C. Misra Mumbai, India
Reading your April 21 cover story on Iraq makes me ask again and again, what answer did those clamoring for peace have in mind for Iraq? The more we understand the depth of depravity and sheer evil of the Saddam regime, the more cynical it looks when peace supporters suggest it was up to the Iraqis to overthrow the regime. How many of those highly vocal peace protesters around the world ever had to watch a relative or friend dropped into a plastics shredder by Saddam’s younger son, for example? Tim Symonds Burwash, England
I have very mixed opinions about Fareed Zakaria’s “How to Win the Peace.” His point of view seems to mirror the Bush administration’s, and it is quite obvious because he backs the war and the reasons American troops fought in Iraq. Now he is very optimistic about the peace process, but I think it will be more arduous than he supposes. I do agree that the United States should not do the job alone, because no one knows how the Arab world might react, and the human toll could be huge. On the other hand, I also feel like letting the United States deal with the mess it created. But my charitable soul can’t stand the fact that it may botch the opportunity. The United States needs help from every willing country. Jean-Francois Le Marec Angers, France
title: “International Mail Call” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-24” author: “Victor Clayborn”
New Ideas to Reshape the World
Thanks for a great cover story (“Inventions That Will Change the World,” June 30/July 7). Those were 10 really good selections, but I thought your layout could have been better. Robert J. Campbell Hong Kong
Thank you, thank you, thank you, NEWSWEEK! As an educator, I have been fighting the idea of group work, cooperative learning and all other togetherness thinking that goes on in most schools (“Single Vision”). I believe this is teaching for mediocrity. The great breakthroughs of science have always come from an individual–one who questioned the accepted knowledge of the group and had the courage to disregard it. This was true of Edison, Einstein and Salk. I was delighted to see that you, too, found that the “individual vision survives” to this day. Tova Gerta Teitelbaum Haifa, Israel
Thomas Edison, contrary to your claim in “Single Vision,” did not work alone when improving the light bulb (which was actually “invented” earlier). Edison was able to accomplish so much because in his New Jersey laboratory he had a dedicated team of skilled workers from around the world. Although I agree that single minds can have the inspiration to spark an idea, history shows that it is usually the efforts of collaboration (often the grunt work done by wives and sisters) that bring ideas to fruition. The maverick is a common and popular image, but not necessarily a precise one. We would do well to acknowledge the complexities and benefits of cooperation, both historically and in the present. Kimberly Novak via internet
I appreciated your article on transgenic animals (“Reinventing the Mouse,” June 30/July 7). Having fully sequenced both mouse and human genomes, we are now on the brink of learning how our genes evolve, function and contribute to human disease states. Mouse models have been useful in genomic experiments where a gene is removed from a mouse to measure the effect of its absence. But this has limitations, since human disease is rarely linked to the complete absence of a particular gene; more often it is caused by the gene’s dysfunction. According to leading scientists, variations in both the structure and expression of our inherited genes are what leads to the onset of physiological problems. Mandeep Nanra President, Asilas Genomic Systems, Inc. New Haven, Connecticut
Your article “Reinventing the Mouse” offered a one-sided look at research conducted on mice that could have been written by the mouse-research industry. Next time you might want to mention all the people who have been harmed because the research on mice did not translate to humans, all the drugs that have been derailed because mice are different from human beings, and all the drugs that hurt people because mice are not men. In the 21st century we have better ways of testing drugs and learning about disease than resorting to studying a totally different species. If we are to cure epilepsy, diabetes, AIDS, cancer, etc., it will be by studying human beings, their tissues and other human-based research modalities. Ray Greek, M.D. President, Americans for Medical Advancement Jean Greek Consultant, National Anti-Vivisection Society Los Angeles, California
Has Stephen Salter fully thought through the ramifications of his invention (“Rainmaker: Sky High,” June 30/July 7)? I would just like to raise the question of what would be the impact on the existing ecosystems he intends to influence and what would be the broader implications for the world’s environment if man interferes with nature. These questions need to be answered before we start to use such an invention. Nicholas Gregory Stockholm, Sweden
Manipulating Intelligence?
Iraq was invaded under the pretext of destroying its weapons of mass destruction. Now that the evidence is mounting that no WMD will be found (“Saddam’s Secrets,” June 30/July 7), the Bush administration has a credibility problem. Intelligence information was selectively used, if not manipulated, to argue its case for war. So what was the Bush government’s real goal in Iraq? If its motive had been to end the brutality of Saddam’s regime, the Coalition could have counted on widespread support of the military action rather than worldwide protest. Andreas Wernli Kloten, Switzerland
War against Iraq may have caused Arabs to hate the American administration, but since then Arabs have been encouraged by the peace efforts in the Middle East, especially after the Palestinian truce and the Israeli withdrawal from some Palestinian towns. If George W. Bush goes for peace, he can turn his enemies into friends. Mohamed Al-Alwi Damascus, Syria
As a longtime subscriber I congratulate the U.S. armed forces. A huge tiger beat out a weak pussycat that was underfed and under equipped on land, sea, air and in high-tech communications. With such huge assets at his disposal, even my unit’s cook could have replaced Gen. Tommy Franks. Try China or North Korea, for a change, after poor countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. Maj. S. A. Farooq Razavi Karachi, Pakistan
The State of Men’s Health
I was really pleased to see your June 16 cover story on men’s health (“Men’s Minds, Men’s Bodies”). For years women have made a steadfast and passionate effort to bring forth many of the health issues that directly affect them. However, we men have been less than fervent in addressing the health issues that affect us. Our lack of momentum on these issues could be attributed to our male ego–our reluctance to show that we’re as vulnerable as anyone else when it comes to illness and disease. Nonetheless, I’m happy to see NEWSWEEK bring the issue to the fore. Kevin Einbinder Chicago, Illinois
Your otherwise fine articles give a fatalistic “social biology is destiny” interpretation of men’s health-related behavior. I submit that men and women are heavily influenced by the gender-related messages they receive in childhood. If we begin to raise our sons to understand, as our daughters do, that it is OK to admit to pain (to their doctor) and to seek help (from a professional) in a crisis, and that we need not (and cannot) solve every problem ourselves, the sex difference in longevity will begin to shrink. Eugene E. McDowell Psychology Department Western Carolina University Cullowhee, North Carolina
As a man approaching 30, I picked up your June 16 issue with a keen interest in my health. However, after reading it, I think a more fitting title would be “Treatments for Death.” I do not consider cardiovascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, prostate cancer, one-upmanship, depression or hair loss representative of my understanding of health. Throughout all your articles, you reported on men’s potential health problems rather than men’s healthy-living possibilities. Each article seemed calculated to persuade men to fix their ailing health. Jack Du Mez Troy, New York
It’s true that in western culture we take for granted the idea of competition, survival of the fittest, winning/losing and domination/submission, and we believe that we can impose this on everything we do, even in our practice of yoga postures. But the cultures from which yoga developed (ancient India and China) honored the view that what happens in our bodies and in the world is not based on survival of the fittest and competition, but rather on a profound and dynamic matrix of cooperation. Kevin Kortan Yoga therapist and teacher New York, New York
Your article “Prostate Cancer’s Difficult Choices” should be handed to patients diagnosed with this disease. Treatment decisions are often made when men are equipped only with convoluted information, unfamiliar terminology and uncharted courses to personal survival. The knowledge and guidance you provided will help alleviate the fears and frustrations felt by people new to this intimidating disease. I applaud you for sharing real-life stories and the reasons behind the men’s choices. I implore your readers to be aggressive in their routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings. I believe this simple blood test may have saved my 48-year-old husband’s life. Susie Kasinski Drummond Racine, Wisconsin
Since my prostate surgery, I’ve heard of many men who have never had a PSA test. Men hide their heads in the sand just like women who refuse to have mammograms, which are making a significant dent in detecting early tumor growth. But for a yearly PSA test, cancer could have spread throughout my body. Lack of knowledge in these matters is not an excuse, it is ignorance–and it puts one’s life at stake. Joe Smiga Manchester, New Hampshire
In a well-written piece on prostate- cancer treatment options, you overlooked a safe, simple and effective choice: cryoablation, or immediate cancer-cell death by lethal ice. Thousands of men have turned to cryo, a minimally invasive procedure, as an alternative to radical surgery and/or radiation for localized prostate cancer. The benefits of cryo include rapid recovery; no permanent urinary incontinence, and preserved sexual function. A study of seven- and eight-year-old data shows cryo to be 92 percent effective in low-risk cases, and 87 to 89 percent effective in moderate- to high-risk tumors. Men can make an informed treatment choice only when they’ve been informed of all options. Karen Barrie Director, Cryocare PCA (Prostate Cancer Advocates) Wilmette, Illinois
One issue neglected in your other-wise excellent articles about men’s health is the drastic situation facing men of color, who are less healthy than any other group and more likely to suffer from chronic conditions. They have reduced access to care and are thus more severely affected by the underlying causes of disease. Regardless of insurance status, men of color are less likely to receive timely preventive services, and more likely to suffer the consequences of delayed attention, such as limb amputations and radical cancer surgery. It is time for policymakers and journalists to recognize the role of race and, for that matter, income in developing ways to improve the nation’s health overall. Barbara Krimgold Washington, D.C.
Your June 16 issue is truly a keeper. I do not know when my subscription ends, but I will renew it right away to be sure I do not miss any gems like this issue. As an aspiring novelist at 72, I find the topic of men’s health especially poignant in regard to the male psyche. Thanks for a job really well done. Robert L. Jacober Miami, Florida
As good as your articles on men’s health are, you may not realize how differently men and women can interpret them. Just your first article, “The Biggest Prize of All,” got my husband and me in a heated debate. He perceives the statement “your cholesterol is hereditary” to mean that there’s nothing he can do about it, so he can eat and do whatever he likes. I, on the other hand, take it to mean that I must work harder to keep my cholesterol at a healthy level. Most men I know won’t ever admit that they don’t eat right or exercise enough, since that would mean having to succumb to a lifestyle change. Men have to stop being in denial. Karen Datko Easley, South Carolina
Any parents considering circumcision for their son should first ask themselves if they would have an equivalent procedure done to their daughter (“The Right Choice”). If parents cannot justify the removal of normal, healthy tissue from their daughter’s genitals in the name of marginal health benefits, then how can they allow it for their son? Robert Blissitt Dallas, Texas
title: “International Mail Call” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-05” author: “Freddie Anderson”
Turkish Democracy As a member of Turkey’s democratically elected Parliament, I strongly protest any speculation or doubt on my country’s democratic credentials. It is preposterous to have NEWSWEEK’s credibility tarnished by a no-name writer’s agitation (“The Coming Coup d’Etat?” Dec. 4). Turkish government and Turkish democracy are strongly beaming to the future, while military coups belong to the last century. Let me make a more solid projection: Turkish democracy will prevail and AK Party will win the 2007 election and keep Turkey on a European Union path toward democracy, accountability, secularism, the rule of law and free markets. We are a democratically mandated, conservative, center-right political party. As for Zeyno Baran’s claims that she had seen the last coup coming in 1997, and that a general has confided in her, the writer is profusely fabricating exclusivity. The statement belongs to Turkey’s then-chief of staff Ismail Hakki Karadayi, who first made the comment in a well-publicized statement to the Turkish daily Sabah in 1996 and repeated it elsewhere in numerous interviews. Let’s do a favor to this doomsayer and repeat some of her 1997 prophecy: “The idea that the military will quickly tidy things up, restore civilian rule, and preserve the march toward democracy is false. Even shutting down the [ruling party] would not reduce its considerable electoral support … A stable, democratic Turkey is crucial for U.S. foreign policy objectives, including peace in the Middle East and stability in both the Caucasus and the Aegean.” Amen, Ms. Baran. Even a broken clock shows the right time once in 10 years.
Egemen Bagis
Ankara, Turkey
In her Dec. 4 piece, Zeyno Baran says that there is a 50:50 chance of a coup in Turkey, but that’s OK because it will still be a democracy more or less. What nonsense. It would not be a democracy, period. A coup would be a catastrophe for everyone involved. The EU has now made clear that the club is open only to nations where the military is unambiguously under civilian control, which is why the “no nonsense” pashas are angry. Should a coup occur, the entry negotiations will stop and they will never restart. Foreign direct investment, which totaled $12.8 billion in the year to September 2006, will dry up and precipitate a massive economic crisis. Turks will inevitably see a U.S. hand in it, poisoning relations for a generation, not to mention the impact of an allegedly “American-backed coup” on the Muslim world.
Grenville Byford
Paris, France
North Korea’s Nuclear Hunger What a victory for the world that the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to impose punitive sanctions on North Korea, curbing its nuclear appetite and its hunger for ballistic missiles (“How Kim Got the Bomb,” Oct. 23). Bravo especially to China and Russia for agreeing with the other Security Council members in putting shackles on the unbridled nuclear ambitions of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il. So far, the dictator has defied world opinion, but the time has come to eradicate the gravest threat to international peace and security. We must take deliberate, decisive and drastic preventive actions today to save humanity from extinction. Tomorrow might be too late. The onus is on us to reject confrontation in order to maintain peace and tranquility.
Kris Sahay
Winnipeg, Canada
How can we tell one or two countries to not acquire a single nuclear bomb while an elite seven or eight countries keep 40,000 bombs, ready to be delivered? Many of these countries wander secretly and aimlessly aboard nuclear-powered submarines all around the oceans of the world. Wouldn’t it make sense to just banish all those horrible weapons altogether? It certainly would be less hypocritical, and such a decision may have more of a chance to succeed. Did we not learn any lessons from Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Nuclear weapons, even when not in use, are a present and real threat to humankind. Whoever owns them will be tempted to exert excessive brutal, immoral and unethical political power.
Saptono Istiawan
Jakarta, Indonesia
The psychological analysis applied to Kim Jong Il might well be applied to other, more powerful (and forceful) world leaders–those, for instance, who create propaganda so their people support the invasion of other countries and start a disastrous and deadly war with no end in sight. And for what purpose? Filial oneupsmanship? Kim at least hasn’t done that yet, and wouldn’t get far if he did. Why is the pot always calling the kettle black? Do they really think we don’t know the difference? As for “atomic ambitions,” the United States has carried out more nuclear tests over a 50-year period than all the other countries combined.
Jef Westing
Isle Sur la Sorgue, France
The adamant refusal of the bush administration to talk bilaterally and openly with North Korea is based on yet another simple-minded us-versus-them, good-guys-versus-bad-guys dichotomy. Included on the ever-increasing list of rogue regimes are Iran, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, etc. Britain successfully negotiated a pragmatic change of heart with Libya, removing it from the “weevil” list, but George W has always chosen the path of destruction rather than reconstruction, estrangement over engagement, diatribes not dialogues. Our universal village must grow up and learn to mutually coexist and work together to preserve the extremely fragile world order that aims for peace, harmony and mutual understanding as shared goals. Kim Jong-Il’s motivation appears to be more survival-oriented than suicidal. Viable military and economic retaliation options are few and far between as the superpower’s chokehold on rambunctious rogues lacks clout. Washington’s credibility and morality are at an all-time low.
Charles Frederickson
Bangkok, Thailand
The crisis surrounding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, now literally put to the test is, at least in part, of the Bush administration’s hard-liners’ own making. As you pointed out, former secretary of State Madeleine Albright, not exactly the embodiment of an appeaser, came close to striking a deal with Kim Jong Il, and one that even convinced her successor in office, Colin Powell. But characteristically, the newly elected hawks spoiled and destroyed it all with their appalling bull-in-a-china-shop approach. To this day, they are making flimsy statements regarding alleged foul play committed by the North Koreans. The evidence they produce is even more dubious than what they provided in the buildup to the war in Iraq.
Werner Radtke
Paderborn, Germany
Carrots, Not Sticks, for Kim I always enjoy Fareed Zakaria’s scintillating articles. In the one on North Korea’s nuclear test, he asks, “Why did it work with Kaddafi and not North Korea or Iran?” (“Let Them Eat Carrots,” Oct. 23). Every regime is unique and no one formula can solve it. Different situations call for different approaches. In this case, offering the proverbial “carrot” is more conducive than “sticks.” North Korea is an ultra Stalinist state where the late Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il are seen as God, and North Koreans will do anything for him including pressing the nuclear button. Kim Jong Il will not hesitate to go for broke if America forces them into a tight corner. What is required is to open the line of communication, make frequent visits, offer economic assistance. Above all, reduce whatever is perceived as a military threat. A nation at war with itself will forever be at war with others. Hence it is the duty of other nations to unmask themselves before unmasking North Korea.
Hassan bin Talib
Kalamazoo, Michigan
America’s Election Reversal The U.S. midterm election results have signaled a desire by the American public for a change in foreign policy (“Rolling With Pelosi,” Oct. 23). President Bush made a start by removing Secretary Rumsfeld from office. He must follow that up by removing Ambassador Bolton as permanent U.S. representative to the United Nations, and by re-evaluating U.S. foreign policy toward Israel. The United States was the only nation to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning an Israeli attack in Gaza that killed 18 civilians, including women and children. If this had happened anywhere else in the Middle East, it would have been branded an act of terror, which it clearly was. Israel has since claimed this was a mistake. How many more “mistakes” are going to happen, and when will Israel be held accountable? The Israeli campaign of atrocities perpetrated in the Palestinian territories completely undermines President Bush’s war on terror. How can the U.S. government claim to be waging a war on terror, when the United States, by blocking that U.N. resolution, has indicated that it supports state-sponsored terrorism by the Israeli government, and actively blocks any attempt by the United Nations to thwart it?
Rory E. Morty
Giessen, Germany
A Dangerous Man in Lebanon Hassan Nasrallah will be a hero of doom like other charismatic leaders before him: Abdel Nasser, Yasir Arafat, Muammar Kaddafi, Ayatollah Khomeini and Saddam Hussein (“A New Man for The Mideast?” Aug. 21/Aug. 28). I commend Rami Khouri on his insightful write-up, but I don’t share his prediction that Nasrallah’s fate could be different. One must distinguish between a leader who is acclaimed by despondent masses for resisting Israel’s cruel onslaught on Lebanon and his ability to achieve justice, peace and prosperity for the people in the region. The ruin Nasrallah and his party brought to their country is clear evidence of the tragedy implicit in their reckless heroism. What Hamas is doing in the Palestinian territories is not different. Given the asymmetry in the military and political power of Arabs and Israelis, I believe the Mideast is in need of statesmen capable of outsmarting the enemy with their minds, not fighting them with their guns. That is realistically a more promising way to win.
S.A. Sherif
Montreux, Switzerland
I read Rami Khouri’s article and found it ill informed. Not once did he mention that the big loser is Lebanon. Both the Muslims and the Christians in Lebanon lost so much. Khouri says Nasrallah won. If so, it’s some victory. I doubt the parents of the dead would agree with Khouri.
Dr. Elias Joseph Azar
Beirut, Lebanon
The late Israeli prime minister Golda Meir said, “We will have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us.” In your Aug. 21/Aug.28 article “The Real Nasrallah,” Hizbullah’s Hassan Nasrallah says, “We, in the leadership of Hizbullah, do not spare our children and save them for the future. We pride ourselves when our sons reach the front line. And stand, heads high, when they fall [as] martyrs.” Meir expressed a universal drive: continuation of the species. Nasrallah speaks of a principle contrary to the very essence of the life force on this planet.
Steve Campbell
Burbank, California
A Year After Katrina Struck The Bush administration has spent six years focusing on “bring it on” and “shock and awe” rhetoric. For a country that can launch the Marshall Plan, put Americans on the moon, stare down communism and move thousands of military personnel and heavy equipment all across the Mideast, leaving New Orleans and the gulf region as an open sore is a global embarrassment (“New Orleans Blues,” Sept. 4). It doesn’t matter to me whether the folks are Republican or Democrat, Blue State or Red State–they are American and I am American, and they deserve better than the current leadership.
James Brannick
Elmira, New York
Clarification In “the forgotten battleground” (Nov. 27) we said that Britain lost the Boer War. In fact, Britain lost the first Boer War in 1881 but prevailed in 1902.
