LETTERS

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(3 of 3)

Chaos in Chechnya
Paul Quinn-Judge's report on the ongoing war in Chechnya was insightful [WORLD, Oct. 13]. For all Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to conflate Russia's bloody quagmire in Chechnya with America's global struggle against terrorism, the truth was made abundantly clear in Quinn-Judge's article. Chechnya is truly a forgotten heart of darkness, and its people are suffering the gravest crimes against humanity. The localized Chechen conflict has dynamics that are unrelated to al-Qaeda's terrorist struggle against the West. Thank you for reminding us of the Chechens, who seem to have been forgotten by the West.
BRIAN GLYN WILLIAMS
Somerville, Mass.

The Pop Star Who Refreshes
Thank you for the even-handed article about Clay Aiken [MUSIC, Oct. 13], a young singer who doesn't fit the mold of someone the record industry believes should be popular. Aiken is refreshing to listen to. He is articulate and humble, two attributes lacking in most young, prefabricated pop stars. I like his style, and I'm looking forward to seeing him around for a long time.
CHERYL RILEY
Rochester, N.Y.

A lot of people just don't get Aiken, but there are millions who do, and they could be the ones to change the music industry. Just imagine: someone with an amazing voice singing lyrics you can actually understand. What a concept!
SUSAN GOULD
Metairie, La.

No More Monkey Business
Your item "Cheetah, you ought to be Out of Pictures" [NOTEBOOK, Oct. 13], on primatologist Jane Goodall's efforts to stop the use of actor-chimpanzees on TV and in movies, came at the perfect time. With the news of a tiger that was kept in a New York City apartment and the mauling of Las Vegas showman Roy Horn, people are finally understanding that wild animals belong in their natural environments. People who travel to Africa can see these beautiful animals in their own territory. The only thing sadder than a wild animal in captivity is one trained to perform for our entertainment.
PATTI BREITMAN
Fairfax, Calif.

Why do we allow animals to be trained to perform in commercials? It is wrong to steal baby animals from their mothers and put them onstage, in cages or in laboratories.
DARRELL DAVIS
Hampton, Va.