Bridging the Gulf

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What I find most disappointing about your special report on the Middle East, "A Gulf Apart," [May 26] is the incapacity of contributors like Michael Elliott to conduct a vivisection of what ails the troubled region and suggest solutions that would be restorative and reconciliatory as well as rehabilitative. To have two of the most gifted peoples, namely Arabs and Jews, in a permanent state of unrest benefits only the war merchants.
Saber Ahmed Jazbhay, DURBAN

There is much more to Lebanon than the "cursed land" that you depict. There are signs of hope residing in two universities that provide an American-style education: the Lebanese American University (LAU) and the American University of Beirut (AUB). LAU can trace its roots back to 1835, when a group of Presbyterian adventurers decided to make a difference in the world by establishing a school for women in the Ottoman Empire. Since then, LAU has been educating youth in the Middle East. Despite the trials of providing a first-rate education during times of unrest, LAU continues to offer classes — and students continue to graduate. I firmly believe that education is the way to promote positive change in the Middle East. Not only will it help bridge the knowledge and technology gaps in the region and help develop the Middle East's intellectual and human capital, but it will also help people succeed and live together more peacefully.
Joseph J. Jabbra, PRESIDENT, LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, BEIRUT

It is disingenuous to assert that the U.S. has no influence over the Hizballah takeover in Lebanon. In fact, these events are the culmination of inept and inconsistent U.S. policies there, and the situation might still be changed if we assessed facts correctly instead of pandering to the illusions of American special-interest groups. Hizballah is powerful because the U.S. cut and ran from Lebanon when it bombed our airport Marine barracks in the '80s. The U.S. must display respect for the leaders of all other countries and parties, friend or foe, and stop calling our enemies names to please the crowds. The U.S. is losing because, instead of playing to win, we are playing to the ill-informed media audience at home.
David P. Vernon, TUCSON, ARIZ., U.S.

McCain's Health Report
Hey, as long as you're doing pieces on candidates' health-related issues, why don't you do one on the possible effects of Barack Obama's smoking [May 26]?
Steven D. Smith, CENTENNIAL, COLO., U.S.

A note to the Democratic party: you have already alienated many women voters by crowning a man instead of a woman. Please do not compound that problem — and alienate senior citizens too — by implying that because of his age and presumed physical and mental diminution, John McCain is not fit to run.
Nelson Marans, SILVER SPRING, MD., U.S.

Playful Peaceniks
Infinite accolades for the valiant wildlife conservationists who are striving to safeguard the intelligent, sociable and lovable bonobos in the perilous Congo [May 26]. If they do not succeed, it will be imperative to relocate endangered bonobos to safer havens and sanctuaries to ensure their survival.
Brien Comerford, GLENVIEW, ILL., U.S.

Terror-Free Investing
"Rules of disengagement" failed to illustrate that all divestment models are not necessarily "terror free" [May 26]. Despite hundreds of foreign companies' doing business with Iran yearly, Iran divestment bills passed by California and Florida targeted fewer than 30 energy firms. Furthermore, loopholes allowed their pension funds to continue holding these companies in other public portfolios. By contrast, terror-free investing is comprehensive and accounts for the financial well-being of pension funds. That is why terror-free models use prescreened investment products excluding all foreign firms doing nonhumanitarian business with Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. This ensures high-yield returns at minimal cost with zero exposure to terror-sponsoring nations.
Kevin J. Murphy, REPRESENTATIVE, MASSACHUSETTS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BOSTON

A Writer's Voice
Thank you for Lev Grossman's profile of Jhumpa Lahiri [May 26]. Her work provides a striking portrayal of the struggles faced by immigrant families in negotiating and attempting to reconcile their multiple identities while remaining engaged with all aspects of their new home. It reminds me of what my grandfather used to say: "Anyone can play the drum, but it is only an elder who can interpret the meaning of the sounds."
Austine Duru, CHICAGO

Nearing the Finish Line
Thank you, Joe Klein, for calling on senators McCain and Obama to campaign together and debate in the style of Lincoln and Douglas [May 19]. Both Senators are men of integrity, so please let's not make this about trashing each other's character. Everyone knows what the critical issues are. This election is about how the problems of our day will be solved, and it is going to take cooperation between the parties to solve them. Let's learn about the candidates' different philosophies and vote on that basis. Then Congress can approach solutions from the President's perspective, knowing the country is behind him.
Deirdre Greelish, MASHPEE, MASS., U.S.