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A Nation of Dreams
TIME's cover story "India Charges Ahead" is a most compelling read [Aug. 13]. The rumble from the Indian economy is a sterling example to all the struggling economies in the world of what dreams can achieve, even if nations have not yet overcome terrorism, mixed religions, a sad history of and a violent end to colonization, imperfect democracy and socialism, political missteps and years of wars. India's rebound in the global economy is multifaceted, but what inspires most is its ability to reach into a beleaguered past and a struggling present to continuously build a dream.
Moses Ida-Michaels,
Lagos

Harmony Through Hamas?
Andrew Lee Butters' story "A Sort of Peace in Gaza" is living proof that Hamas propaganda is successful and that right and wrong have been replaced by expediency [Aug. 20]. Butters lauds Hamas for bringing "the rule of law" to Gaza, but nowhere does he question why Hamas can bring law and order to Gaza yet can't stop the Qassam rockets that are launched into Israel daily. Hamas brought order to Gaza through sheer brutality: throwing Fatah members off roofs, murdering opposition leaders, firing shots into crowds of peaceful demonstrators, raiding and burning a Greek Orthodox monastery and attacking a school for nuns. Prior to abandoning peace talks to continue attacking Israel, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank enjoyed the highest standard of living of any non-oil-producing Arab nation, compliments of Israel. The Gazan borders are also Israel's borders; Israel has the right to prevent enemies dedicated to its destruction from entering. Butters should stop drinking the Kool-Aid.
Jackie Reckseit,
Boynton Beach, Fla., U.S.

Butters' story proves that if left to their own devices, most governments would do fine without U.S. interference in their internal affairs. We should restrain ourselves when it comes to Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Give them an opportunity to succeed unhindered. Unless, of course, we are afraid they might succeed, which would indicate that there are systems out there at least as capable as our own.
David G. McGrady,
Muskegon, Mich., U.S.