Letters: Mar. 14, 1983

Judging Israel

To the Editors:

Thank you for a thorough and judicious account of the "Verdict on the Massacre" [Feb. 21]. The distinction between direct and indirect responsibility is sound, though it is still questionable whether the top Israeli command was not more directly, though only partly, responsible for the calamity. Nevertheless, it is even more imperative for the Lebanese government to bring to justice those Phalangists who perpetrated the mass murders in the camps. Unless this is done, and done soon, the conscience of humanity will forever decry the horrendous miscarriage of justice.

Haig Khatchadourian

Cambridge, Mass.

It is appalling that the Jews, who for hundreds of years have been the victims of the worst atrocities, turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the events in the Sabra and Shatila camps. However, we are forgetting that the Christian Phalangists carried out the massacre.

Judith Tatarzyn

Fort Smith, Ariz.

That Begin and Sharon remain in positions of authority in spite of their complicity in the Beirut massacre shows that Israel believes belligerence, self-righteousness and indifference to the plight of non-Jews are the only paths to survival.

Charles R. Simpson

State College, Pa.

The exit of General Sharon is a test not of Israeli democracy but of Israeli stupidity in succumbing to outside pressure. In the streets, Sharon is now a hero, the most popular leader next to Begin.

Mali Alon

Jerusalem

After the report of the Israeli commission was published, Yasser Arafat demanded a further inquiry by an international body. Arafat did not set up an investigation after his people wiped out the Lebanese city of Damur or for other horrors the P.L.O. conducted against Lebanese Christians.

Benjamin Arazi

Baton Rouge, La.

In your Essay you refer to the "principle of indirect responsibility" and conclude, "The report is about the treacherous and devious mind. And it says as clearly as may ever be said that we know what we know, and what we know, we act on — or do not." What are the implications for the majority of Israelis, who, knowing the findings of the commission, continue to support Begin and Sharon?

Harry R. Bain

Glenmont, N. Y.

If the conclusions of the commission are to be viewed as a "lesson in democracy" and a "turning point for Israel," then the Begin government must be replaced by one that will truly work for peace in the Middle East. Israel deserves it, the Lebanese deserve it, and the Palestinians deserve it.

John Andrew Hobden

New York City

Toxic Troubles

It is a disgrace that President Reagan appoints people to the EPA who make a mockery of this nation's efforts to clean up its carcinogenic filth [Feb. 21]. Ill-qualified administrators who view their environmental-protection duties with indifference may lead us into another national nightmare.

John Zelezny

Sacramento

I cannot believe people are so greedy that they continue to contaminate the only place we have to live. No new chemical, regardless of its potential good, should be marketed if it cannot be treated to become nontoxic waste.

Pat Theriot

Zachary, La.