Letters

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Nature was intelligent enough in its evolution to give rise to Richard Dawkins, who could then question whether nature is intelligent or not. But Dawkins' brand of atheism is dangerous because it hides behind the veneer of scientific credibility and academic showmanship. TIME should sponsor another debate, in which a case could be put forward for a holistic worldview, where consciousness is seen not as a by-product of biology but the other way around.

DEEPAK CHOPRA San Diego

Separation Anxiety

Peter Galbraith's article "The Case for Dividing Iraq" [Nov. 13] outlined the best solution for ending the Iraq war. The attempt to create a unified, democratic Iraq is doomed to failure. Modern Iraq as we know it has never been politically unified; religious and tribal factionalism has been suppressed by either the strictly autocratic rule of a British-imposed monarchy or the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. The new U.S. Congress and President George W. Bush should make the issue of resolving the Iraq war their very first priority in January.

DUDLEY MANN Wakefield, R.I.

The idea that Iraq should be divided so that the U.S. can withdraw its forces is monstrous. Iraq's uncertain future cannot be dictated by escape strategies for the occupying forces. But just as dangerous is President Bush's bombastic and empty talk of achieving "victory."

CLARA NIETO New York City

Dividing Iraq will not end the civil war; it will be seen only as another example of heavy-handed U.S. imperialism, especially in the Muslim world.

DAVIS ZONG New York City

Partitioning Iraq is a recipe for disaster. The civil war in Iraq could expand to engulf the whole region. No current or future government in Turkey would condone the emergence of a separate Kurdish entity in northern Iraq, as that would inflame the separatist tendencies of Turkey's Kurdish population. Arguments in favor of partitioning Iraq are neoimperialist and do nothing beneficial for the region.

SAIT T. TANGOR Ankara, Turkey

It's Snowtime

Re "The Snow Show" [Nov. 13]: The Republican Party ought to nominate White House press secretary Tony Snow as its next presidential candidate. He is vigorous and intelligent and has a way with words. He has a sense of humor, and he is fatally handsome in the bargain. In both stature and character, he's tall enough that we can look up to him. He's just the leader we need.

RICHARD H. UTT Loma Linda, Calif.

Snow may be the slickest press secretary in years, but that still makes him little more than the Bush Administration's court jester. Any credibility he had as a journalist was ruined when he took the job as mouthpiece for the White House. He is going to end up as spokesman for some corporation or lobbying firm. No matter what, he will be highly paid. My hat's off to him.

ART ROBINSON LaGrange Park, Ill.

Madonna's New Baby

I don't understand the controversy over Madonna's adoption of a Malawian orphan [Nov. 13]. Shouldn't it be taken as a sign of generosity and love? I think the media are to blame for all the accusations of impropriety. Doing something that may be seen as trendy is not always a bad thing. Madonna's action will hopefully encourage others to adopt orphan children who might otherwise have very grim lives.