Letters: Oct. 22, 2001

Target: Osama bin Laden

"Remember that every agreement between Americans and Muslims is another rock on bin Laden's grave." MICHAEL M. ROSENBLATT San Jose, Calif.

In at least one sense, Osama bin Laden was not successful [THE WAR, Oct. 1]. One of the stated goals of his terrorist group al-Qaeda is to drive American "infidels" from Islam's sacred soil. But the attacks against innocent civilians on Sept. 11 only resulted in a large U.S. military presence in the Middle East and even greater U.S. resolve. PAUL A. FAWCETT Redmond, Wash.

Like most Americans, I believe it is right to punish terrorists. Our attempt to rid the world of them is proper and just. It would be naive, however, to think that we can accomplish this permanently. There are potential terrorists in the world who are not yet born. We all must share in this effort in the years to come. I am a Korean War veteran and strongly believe in a permanent military draft. All able-bodied young American men should spend at least 18 months in the service of their country. Military service will give them discipline, self-reliance and exposure to others from all walks of life that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. And they and America will be the better for it. MICHAEL KUHARCIK Strongsville, Ohio

The Osamas of this world, and those attracted to him, merely attempt to attach themselves to larger causes for the simple and selfish purpose of tearing others down. And as parasites, they must ultimately die or submit to more powerful, legitimate forces. The U.S. is not arrogant; it simply chooses good. It stands for justice and freedom. Those ideals cannot be destroyed by any man, power or principality. America had no choice but to rise up and destroy the malicious and illegitimate power of the Taliban. The sort of hatred practiced by bin Laden will be eliminated. M. SMITH-YEAGER Marietta, Ga.

The U.S. aided Afghanistan's people in a military conflict against the Soviet Union, only to leave when the Soviets were defeated in 1989. A consequence was the introduction of Taliban rule in 1996. The world cannot afford to make such a costly mistake again after the bombing of Afghanistan. History shows that elimination of a threat through a conflict without subsequent resolution ensures future misery. VINCE PESTRITTO Hershey, Pa.

For the first time in a long while, people don't think of themselves as Democrats or Republicans, New Yorkers or Californians. They are Americans. This sense of unity is exactly how it should be during a time of crisis. GAVIN THOMAS Colton, N.Y.

Was it wholly objectionable to put Osama bin Laden's face on the cover of TIME? Although we did so because bin Laden is the focus of the news and the terrorism investigation, plenty of you thought we made the wrong choice. "We have to live with the devastation and loss he caused, but we don't need to look at that evil face, big and bold on the cover of your magazine," wrote an angry woman. A California critic wondered, "Why, with the thousands of images of heroism and patriotism available at this time, did you choose him for your cover?" A Greeley, Colo., reader railed, "How dare you dignify this monstrous creature! Isn't it enough that we have to hear his name 50 times a day?" But a Pennsylvanian chose to indulge in some gallows humor: "Darts should have been included with your picture of the 'target.'"