Letters

(2 of 4)

President Bush may have won a battle in Iraq, but terrorism will continue to threaten us all long after the last statue of Saddam Hussein has fallen.
LEXY MOSTAZA
Madrid

We need a better understanding of why Islamic fundamentalists are willing to kill. Solely going after the bad guys won't work. The West has grasped some of the difficulties that give rise to terrorists: social and economic backwardness, repressive rule in some Muslim countries and lack of effective participation in world trade. But other factors include the historical defeat and humiliation of Muslims, their feeling of impotence vis-a-vis the West, the arrogant concept of the superiority of Islam and Muslim youths' lack of hope. The war on terrorism is to a large extent a war of ideas with a heavy religious imprint. Ideas and minds must be changed on all sides.
CHARLES B. SHORTER
Kampala, Uganda

The war on terror can be ended. Although Osama bin Laden and those like him are evil men who are quite happy to kill innocent people, we in the so-called developed world have much to answer for. What is needed is a policy of helping underdeveloped nations help themselves. They should not be sold arms to suppress their own people or threaten their neighbors. They should not be given money, which often goes into the pockets of their rulers, but should receive instead practical assistance and the equipment to better their condition. If the poorer countries were not exploited, they would not provide a fertile ground in which terrorism could take root.
MICHAEL DREW
Heacham, England

Combatting terrorism should not be a war effort but a humane, civilized and diplomatic one. Working toward global peace is every country's responsibility. Perhaps if we all cooperate, we could have a world free of terrorism.
SHIONA BISWAS
Bombay

Understanding, Not Bullying

In his analysis of what the Democratic Party needs to do to beat George Bush in 2004 [NATION, May 19], Joe Klein noted that Democratic presidential candidates will have to argue that "foreign policy involves more than just the threat of force, more than just bullying friends and clobbering foes." Truth to tell, most of the anti-American sentiment worldwide is not so much against the U.S. as a country as it is against Bush the person. Had he been more of a statesman and listened closely to people such as Colin Powell and Tony Blair, the U.S. would have achieved support all around. The world is bigger than Texas and bigger even than the U.S. If America wants to be a truly international leader, it should learn a great deal more about the outside world. In the end the shooting will stop, and then the solution to the problems that are the most important will be beyond the ability of armed forces.
MARIUS SCHOTBORGH
The Hague

Nuts to Nukes

You reported that the Bush Administration is preparing to develop a few new nuclear weapons [NOTEBOOK, May 26]. Does the President think he can lead the whole world down the garden path? While countries all around the globe are told to stop their nuclear programs and threatened with military action, how can the U.S. expand its already large arsenal of nuclear weapons?
MAY KOIZUMI
Hiroshima

Witnessing what is going on in the U.S. now is a slap in the face to all the nations that have agreed to shut down their nuclear-weapons programs in order to contribute to the world's safety.
DIMITRI NAROS
Piraeus, Greece

Out of Control in Iraq

Your story on the trouble that the U.S. is having in controlling the crime and chaos in Iraq [WORLD, May 26] struck me as condemning the conductor instead of the orchestra that is playing badly. Iraqi citizens don't seem to be able to act in their own self-interest, probably because of the country's factionalism. I bet a lot of scores are being settled right now. Iraq will come together but not before the Iraqis squeeze as much money as they can from the U.S.
JOHN EADES
Zionsville, Ind.

I was deeply moved by your article on the chaos in Baghdad. I believe most people will steal when they have no money and no work. Why not take the illegal stashes of money and gold that have been uncovered? If each and every Iraqi over age 18 received $200 a month (unless caught stealing or with a weapon), people would be able to stay home. When your kids are hungry, staying home is not an option. A loving parent would steal.
(THE REV.) MICHAEL J. KIRWIN
Old Forge, Pa.

Can anyone govern Iraq? No doubt. But it will take the firm hand of someone with strong political, humanitarian and economic governing skills. The U.S.'s new civilian chief, Paul Bremer, can do the job. A constitutional law of inalienable rights must be not only adopted but also enforced by the government and police. Respect for human rights must be paramount, or there will be anarchy and a biased form of government. Freedom, rights and liberty must prevail. Prosperity and stability will follow.
O. JERRY LEE
Maryville, Tenn.