Quotes of the Day

Whose War Is It Anyway?
Just as the Vietnam War was not Kennedy's or Lyndon Johnson's war but one generated by vested interests, it is disingenuous for Joe Klein to call Afghanistan "Obama's War" [Dec. 14]. The U.S. created the mess. Whatever initiative the Pentagon may come up with, al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden — who have won the hearts and minds of the majority that matters — remain a force that will haunt the U.S., just as the mujahedin did the Soviet Union.
Saber Ahmed Jazbhay
Durban, South Africa

In recent times military operations by the British and Soviets in Afghanistan did not end well. It looks as if the U.S. and NATO have not learned from the past. America is fighting for security and a united world, an aim that will only lead to further security in airports.
Tristan Meillard
Rennes, France

Klein's article did not show Obama's mind-set, which was reflected throughout his speech. He consistently opposes war, and his intention in committing more troops to Afghanistan is to bring a speedy end to the conflict. Obama is right not to dramatize the war, for doing so would merely rebrand it a box-office attraction. The President's speech should be praised for its message of regrettable military necessity rather than drama-filled military glory.
Paul Stafford
Western Cape, South Africa

It should not be forgotten that, when Bush invaded Iraq, millions of people protested against it. One of the many arguments was that the war would take attention and resources away from Afghanistan. If the U.S. had devoted the treasure that it spent in Iraq to bringing Afghanistan into the modern age, it would not be so overstretched now. One is reminded of the adage "A stitch in time saves nine." Obama has to struggle with the result.
Greg Franks
Sydney

Towers of Babel
What is the difference between Saudi Arabia banning churches with bell towers and Switzerland banning minarets [Dec. 14]? The Swiss are accused of discrimination, yet Saudi Arabia is not. Aren't these decisions a gift to extremism and intolerance? And why does the media condemn the Swiss but not mention the Saudi ban? Make up your minds: Which is more extreme, Islamic or Christian culture?
Gerhard Heinzelmann
Gravesend, England

I think that only a small part of those 57% who voted for the ban acted out of pure "extremism and intolerance." The result speaks of a fear not of Islam itself, but of politicized religion. We need to move away from both types of extremism — xenophobia and politicized Islam — and toward real integration. Just as a bad question begs a bad answer, real and sensible dialogue may yield real and sensible solutions.
Marlene Ringel
Mainz, Germany

Dubai in Peril The crisis in Dubai is the crisis of unsustainable folly [Dec. 14]. It's amazing how eager our banks have been to pour money into a city-state sucking in vast amounts of energy and water to build and maintain a monstrous playground for the very rich. Heaven knows what its carbon footprint is. At its heart there is a sickness, with tales of dreadful working conditions for migrant laborers, who form a kind of permanent underclass. But what else can be expected of a place where the rich can party in their castles of sand while human rights for the poor are not on the agenda?
Derek Smith
London