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Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007
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An Army of Ambassadors
Mark Kukis' story on the Karbala attacks really put a human face on the cold statistics of the casualties and suffering in Iraq [Aug. 6]. It was impossible to deny the reality of violence and pain that so many soldiers see in Iraq. Regardless of our opinions on the war, we can all agree that our soldiers are amazing heroes. Along with their loved ones, they deserve our continued support. I wish I could shake each soldier's hand and thank all those in uniform for the sacrifices they've made. Please bring them home soon.
Jose Mendoza,
Granada Hills, Calif., U.S.

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It's unsettling to hear that the Karbala case has stalled because pursuing those behind the attack may undo progress. As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a fellow member of the Long Gray Line, I found it disheartening to read about the loss of these five fine soldiers. If we agree that the situation in Iraqi villages is too dangerous for diplomats and that Army officers serving as diplomats are not properly trained, we need to come up with a better solution. With today's modern communications equipment, an Army officer in the field should be able to serve as the "face person" for a diplomat in a secure camp in Iraq, in Kuwait or even in Washington. I served with Captain Brian Freeman and remember him as an energetic and highly respected officer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the families of the others slain in this attack.
Mark Williams,
Monroe, Ohio, U.S.

Is it possible to learn from history? How did the American people feel 232 years ago when British troops were sent to Lexington and Concord to seize rebel leaders? I do not know of any example in which democracy was brought to a country with weapons of destruction. Do we really need another four years of war in Iraq?
Dirk Bruehl,
Salisbury, Pa., U.S.

Despot Diplomacy
Re "How to Deal with Dictators"[Aug. 6]: I was disappointed to read Peter Beinart's suggestion that bringing Benazir Bhutto back to power is the ideal way to solve mushrooming fundamentalism in Pakistan. It seems he has forgotten or is simply unaware of Bhutto's role in the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Her government was the first to recognize the Taliban regime after it took control of Kabul in 1996 and hailed its leaders as agents of peace in the region. Bhutto's secularism is no more sincere than that of General Pervez Musharraf or any other Pakistani leader.
Forogh Hakimzada,
Monterey, Calif., U.S.