Letters: Apr. 18, 2005

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Charles Krauthammer's "Three Cheers for the Bush Doctrine" [March 14] seems very proud of what U.S. foreign policy toward the Arab world has brought about. I am very doubtful, however, of Krauthammer's view that there is now a climate in the Middle East favorable to democracy. We readers know the U.S. invaded and deposed Saddam Hussein and has occupied Iraq, killing thousands of Iraqis. Why are Iraqis reveling in their recent elections? Because they want to end the violent occupation by the U.S. as soon as they possibly can. They want to show that Iraq can tackle the problems of self-governance.

KIYOSHI SUGIMOTO -- Hiroshima

A Light in the Darkness

Andrew Sullivan's column "When Grace Arrives Unannounced" was brilliant and thought provoking. His account of how Ashley Smith persuaded her captor, accused Atlanta courthouse killer Brian Nichols, to give himself up by telling him of her life and faith presented a compelling example of how God works through imperfect, even wounded, ordinary people. My heartfelt appreciation goes to Smith for bravely putting her faith in action.

DON WOMELDORFF -- Kettering, Ohio

In a day and age in which the loudest Christian voices focus on exclusion instead of preaching grace, it was good to read a story that pointed out that "Grace arrives, unannounced, in lives that least expect or deserve it." All of us--fundamentalist preachers, murderers, failed mothers, good housewives--are in the same boat. We all are cracked and need the light to come in. Thanks to Sullivan for reminding us.

(THE REV.) KERSTIN BARNES -- El Granada, Calif.

Sullivan's essay was so moving, I had to read it twice. One human reaching out to another in such tortured circumstances gave me something I have not experienced in a long, long time: hope.

JAYNE DEWELL -- Tustin, Calif.

Remaking Morocco

Re TIME's report on investigations of the bombings in Madrid last March 11 [March 21]: I was disappointed by the story's implication that Morocco's policies may exacerbate terrorism. Moroccans continue to be saddened by the March 11 tragedy and share the grief of their Spanish brothers and sisters. The Moroccan government has embarked on a bold social, political and economic reform program to enhance freedom and opportunity. Last year King Mohammed VI addressed a council of religious scholars and announced a plan to revamp the domain of religious affairs to shield Morocco from the perils of extremism and terrorism and retain Morocco's national identity and tradition as a country of moderation, tolerance and respect for other faiths. Terrorism is a global problem that requires a global commitment if peace and freedom are to prevail.

AZIZ MEKOUAR -- MOROCCAN AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. -- Washington

Hope for the Poor

The excerpt from Jeffery D. Sachs' new book, The End of Poverty, and awareness of the need to help Africa [March 14] caused a mix of emotions in my mind, chief of which I identified as hope. I am encouraged that enlightened and progressive leaders in the developed world agree that the main obstacles to Africa's development are not solely or even fundamentally corruption and misrule. With a lot of commitment and doggedness, Africa will stand on its own feet, and posterity will have this generation to thank for it.

OLUMUYIWA E. ADEPITAN -- Gusau, Nigeria