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Sources of Addiction
Michael Lemonick and Alice Park examined the addictions many of us struggle with every day [July 23]. Society often labels alcoholics and other addicts as moral failures, despite medical evidence to the contrary. The sad truth is that the active addict may experience a physical, psychological or even spiritual high and no longer make healthy, rational decisions. With the help of the medical community and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, addicts can manage their disease.
Michele Rugo,
Murphys, Calif., U.S.

As the neuroscientist who discovered vigabatrin for drug addiction, I was extremely pleased with the breadth and accuracy of "The Science of Addiction." The use of vigabatrin as a potential treatment for drug addiction derives directly from advances made in nuclear medicine imaging research at Brookhaven National Laboratory. If successful, its impact will be felt worldwide. Taxpayer-funded institutions like Brookhaven truly help support the translation of discoveries made in the laboratory to treatments for patients afflicted with life-threatening illnesses, including drug addiction. Continued political support and financial investment in scientific research are vital to maintaining our way of life and that of those to follow after we're gone.
Stephen L. Dewey,
Manorville, N.Y., U.S.

There is a very large gap between recognizing how addiction looks on a brain scan and developing therapies that are effective enough to safely abolish addictive behavior. Once a safe and effective candidate drug is discovered, a minimum of five years is needed before the Food and Drug Administration can deem it safe to administer to millions of addicts. We are at least a decade away from even starting such trials. Addiction is a side effect of the positive evolutionary pressures to respond to pleasurable stimuli by seeking repeat stimulation. Alcoholics Anonymous is one form of therapy that we can depend on to be effective in reducing addictive behavior. Brain scans will someday lead to improved therapy, but not for many years to come.
David P. Vernon,
Tucson, Ariz., U.S.

The Future of Pakistan
Re: "Life After Death," [July 23], the unholy alliance between the military and the mullahs in Pakistan is coming to an end. The assault on the Red Mosque, an operation to root out extremists in the heart of the Pakistani capital, has become the first salvo in a new civil war for the nation's soul. Musharraf has weathered the protests of the pro-democracy movement, but his survival, political and otherwise, is still at stake in the face of growing violence in Pakistan's tribal areas and an increased number of suicide car bombings from a cadre that has declared jihad on the government. The three A's that shaped Pakistan's destiny — the army, Allah, and America — now need to converge to tackle al-Qaeda and Taliban militants and then give Pakistan full democracy so it's no longer just another basket-case Muslim nation.
R.R. Sami,
Tiruvannamalai, India

One feels pity for the plight of the Pakistani man on the street: he is either crushed under the heavy boots of military dictators or under pressure from fanatical clergy, and has been allowed only a few fleeting moments of democratic sunshine. But recent signs are very encouraging. People are rising in loud protests against the dismissal of their Chief Justice and the reactions of everyday Pakistani people to Musharraf's invasion of the Red Mosque seem to be sympathetic to the opponents of extremism. Whenever the silent majority remains silent, those countries fall prey to military or theocratic dictatorship. Let us hope that the Pakistani people do not present their country on a silver platter to the mullahs. They must be vocal and resist any attempt of takeover by the clergy.
K.B, Kale,
Jakarta

A September Stand-Down?
Re Joe Klein's "The July Surprise" [July 23]: Is Bush off-base on Iraq policy? With the Democrats and a few defecting Republicans clamoring for a speedy exit from Iraq, Bush has a golden opportunity to save face. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki suggested that U.S. troops could go home anytime they want. Whether or not the troop surge is fully effective, the perception remains that Bush's policy is in the wrong ballpark.
Cal George,
Carrollton, Texas, U.S.

Bush says that he will not abandon his Iraq policy unless General David Petraeus declares it a failure in September. Regardless of the truth, I already know the basis of the general's report. With his reputation and career at stake, Petraeus will say exactly what the President wants to hear: The surge is making progress and requires more time and more troops for success. Those familiar with big corporations know that the CEO rarely has a clear understanding of what is happening in his company. With reputations and careers at stake, a story becomes rosier as it passes up the corporate ladder. Does anyone believe the Army is any different? We have seen that retired generals, whose careers are no longer at risk, have the courage to challenge official policy.
King Sinclair,
Louisville, KY., U.S.

Bush has already achieved his main objective in invading Iraq. He formed a U.S.-style democracy that will serve as a role model for all nations in the Middle East. Members of the Iraqi Parliament have in a relatively short time acquired the necessary skills for political success: constant partisan bickering, numerous vacations, a short workweek, regular salary increases and no accomplishments. If successful, Bush would be justified in once again declaring "mission accomplished." With victory in hand, he can bring the troops home.
Gordon Bacon,
Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.

Danger's Warning Signs
Amanda Ripley's "Can We Spot the Threat?" questions our ability to identify a terrorist attack before it occurs [July 16]. We cannot spot terrorism, and we never could. If we were able to spot it, the Sept. 11 attacks and the London rail bombings would not have occurred. Some terrorists were apprehended before they could cause any real damage, but government officials usually do not have the situation under control. Terrorists — amateurs and professionals alike — will continue to strike when we least expect it and in places we are unlikely to look. The U.S. government has made the Western world a target. Until we make friends with the enemy, the atrocities caused by the terrorists will continue.
Katarzyna Radzka,
Gold Coast, Australia

How can we deal with the ever changing face of terrorism? Good question! As with a stray weed, we need to destroy its roots; trimming a few leaves won't do. Searching cars and people at airports is a weak, pathetic response. We need decisive and sustained action against the organizations that recruit, brainwash and train terrorists. Unfortunately, we seem to be pouring all our efforts and resources into alleviating the symptoms rather than fighting the disease.
Noru Tsalic,
coventry, england

As a Muslim physician trained in beautiful Britain, I was very sad to read that the people whose main responsibility was to save lives were determined to take the lives of innocent people. The terrorists not only betrayed their religion but stabbed their profession in the heart. It is not the responsibility of governments but our responsibility as enlightened Muslims to stand up to these misguided criminals.
Dr. Rana K. Latif,
Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine,
University of Louisville,
Louisville, KY., U.S.

The Red Mosque Raid
Aryn Baker's "Among the Believers" was amazing and the most human account of the radical Islamic students' standoff at the Red Mosque in Islamabad that I have read so far [July 16]. I was truly amazed by the correspondent's unshakable ability to stay objective and present a clear picture of those who are completely devoted to their faith. I was raised as a Lutheran, a faith that was once perceived as a radical reformist movement with fanatic followers. I was very moved by Baker's story.
Peteris Timofejevs-Henriksson,
Brussels

Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf's handling of the Red Mosque crisis was designed to please the West. He will receive an enormous backlash. There are many other ways to engage Islamic extremists. If the West hopes to win the hearts and minds of Muslims, it must learn to respect our values and treat us with dignity. This marks the beginning of the end for Musharraf.
Said Bala Shuaib,
Lagos

A Novelist Neglected
Re Donald Morrison's "Lost in America" [July 16]: I can't believe that Douglas Kennedy doesn't have a publisher in the U.S. It's incomprehensible. I've read all his thrillers, each one more absorbing than the last. My idea of heaven is settling down with a scalding hot cup of tea and a Douglas Kennedy book.
Sara Kennelly,
Galway, Ireland

Kill Hunger at the Source
How can you spend three pages saying food aid doesn't alleviate the causes of famine [June 25-July 2] without once citing the most basic cause: overpopulation. Japan learned this more than 50 years ago and now it has been one of the most prosperous nations on earth. China and India are also curbing birth rates and their economies have vastly improved. You can search for those "longer-term solutions," but you never state the simplest answer. Fewer mouths to feed means more food to eat.
Brian Bate,
Cebu, The Philippines