Letters: Aug. 23, 2004

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The most important implication of the 9/11 commission's report [Aug. 2] is that the rules of warfare have changed. Conventional strategies of employing overwhelming military force will not work against networks like al-Qaeda. The key to combatting terrorism is the coordination of intelligence gathering and the sharing of information. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has failed to recognize this crossroads in history and has continued to emphasize conventional warfare. The aggressive application of military might is greatly increasing fear and hatred of the U.S. throughout the world and creating an environment in which terrorism can thrive. JIM KENNEDY Broomfield, Colo.

It is imperative that President Bush and his staff members lead the country's effort to quickly implement the 9/11 commission's recommendations to reform U.S. intelligence operations. The President faces what is probably the most difficult task since World War II in revamping the intelligence agencies. I know the Administration is up to the task. The creation of a National Intelligence Director will send a clear message to the American people, Congress and intelligence officials that Bush is a strong and foresighted leader who should be re-elected for his courage in tackling the problem. Strength in action is all that terrorists understand. PETER H. SPIELMANN Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, instead of having turf battles over who is in charge of intelligence gathering, the heads of the FBI and the CIA, ALONG WITH THEIR AIDES, would meet weekly for a full day to brainstorm, share information and ideas and make plans for future interagency cooperation? BRUCE BARTEL Huntington Beach, Calif.

The Danger of Absolutes

The U.S. deserves admiration for its great achievements, as well as the world's sympathy for the atrocious attacks of 9/11 [Aug. 2]. But having just returned from a lengthy stay in the U.S., I was amazed by how little most Americans seem to know about the rest of the world and by their inability to see things in other than absolute terms. The most dangerous leaders--political and religious--are those who paint the world in black and white. They profess to recognize very clearly, at first sight, the good from the bad. They have absolute certainty that God is on their side. Such demagogues can be Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Democrat or Republican. But the world's challenges are not black and white. Despite what the Bush Administration maintains, the war in Iraq has nothing to do with freedom. The U.S. invasion was based on lies. There were real geopolitical and business motives for overthrowing Saddam Hussein. H. CHRISTIAN EGGENBERGER Platja d'Aro, Spain

Vegas: Sin and Sensation

Your story about Las Vegas, "The Strip is Back! [July 26], was not only about the deterioration of a culture but also about America's loss of its heart and soul. Vegas, with all its billions of dollars, is a city full of lonely people alienated from one another and any sense of purpose in life. What happened to enjoying simple beauty, peace, innocence, love and giving to one another? I would like to see a TIME cover story devoted to another city that millions of people from around the world are traveling to: Assisi, Italy, the home of St. Francis. BRUCE DAVIS Assisi, Italy

Accountability for Sudan