Letters: Jan. 20, 2003

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I'm glad that someone is embracing the backpacker community. I have been traveling the globe alone for many years. I have gained a true knowledge of foreign countries and their people. Elliott's piece showed how the terrorists have hurt the worldwide community that backpackers have been creating. Luckily the backpackers' bond is strong, and we will continue to travel and represent our countries no matter what happens around us. DANIEL LELIEVRE Tampa, Fla.

Having just returned from two months of backpacking in Asia, I was struck by Elliott's commentary. In a world with terrorists fueled by negative feelings toward Americans, travel could be part of finding peace. When abroad, Americans have the opportunity to represent the good in all Americans. For those comfortable with travel in this day and age, I say, Go, see the world; it is a marvelous and magical place that we are an important part of. Terrorism cannot take this away. CHRISTINE SLAUGHTER Orlando, Fla.

Inspecting Saddam

Saddam Hussein'S seeming compliance with weapons inspections [WORLD, Dec. 16] should not make people feel that everything is safe. Instead they should be uneasy that Saddam is so confident about his ability to keep his weapons secret--and safe. GLENN SCHIECK Rochester, N.Y.

Is it possible that Iraq will be to America what Afghanistan was to the U.S.S.R.? The similarities are chilling. JANE STILLWATER Berkeley, Calif.

Does anyone honestly believe that Saddam is out to conquer the globe or that the rest of the world will love the U.S. if it buries Iraq? Does anyone believe that aggression begets peace? As the skipper of a U.S. Navy warship in the South Pacific, I saw enough war to last a lifetime. In my 86 years, I've never known a bully who was right. I consider George Bush's foreign policy loathsome; and, worse, it's dangerous beyond words. THEODORE R. TREADWELL Danbury, Conn.

The U.S., which has the world's largest arsenal of nukes, is telling other nations to disarm? While we're at it, why don't we tell the Iraqis to stop drinking alcoholic beverages and eating fast food? STEVE WEDDLE Cincinnati, Ohio

Military conflicts are a lot like poker games in that both involve bluffing. When the stakes are high and it's time to show one's hand, the people who hold poor cards fold faster than Superman on laundry day. TOM MURRAY San Luis Obispo, Calif.

No matter what success an invasion of Iraq might achieve, the ensuing escalation of animosity against America in the Muslim world would put the U.S. in ever greater peril. The Bush Administration has established a national-security doctrine that calls for pre-emptive war against any nation that it views as a potential threat. This contradicts the notion that Washington acts as a force for peace and democracy. R. GLENN HESSEL Chicago

Economic Overhaul

U.S. treasury secretary Paul O'neill was apparently fired for failing to sell President Bush's economic policies to the public [NATION, DEC. 16]. I always thought the purpose of an adviser was to give the president objective information so he could make an informed and effective decision. This President seems to prefer a cabinet composed of little more than highly paid telemarketers. Why should the taxpayer bear the cost of the president's cheerleaders? GRACIA MARKS Camarillo, Calif.