Letters: U.S. help for North Africa
Re “The Benghazi syndrome,” Opinion, Dec. 1
Mieczyslaw P. Boduszynski’s article calls to mind my experience in Tunisia last month and demonstrates why the U.S. government should consider more substantial cultural and educational engagement in North Africa.
Like the author in Libya, when I was in Tunisia, I spoke with Tunisians from all walks of life. I visited museums and historic monuments. I spoke with professors, students, government representatives and private directors of arts programs.
I was a female traveling alone and didn’t hide the fact that I was American. I was warmly welcomed. I did not need a security detail, which would have impeded honest discussions. Those discussions revealed that Americans are missing a golden opportunity to support and recognize North Africans who want cultural and educational exchanges.
By offering only military training in Libya, we inadvertently end up strengthening the memories of a negative past. So why not create arts and education exchange programs too? Why not have a permanent cultural attache post in each North African embassy and consulate?
Colette Apelian
Berkeley
I wonder if “60 Minutes” will interview Boduszynski, a former Foreign Service officer in Libya, and broadcast his story. It might help the program regain some credibility and hopefully undo some of the damage done by its bogus story on Benghazi in October.
I would suggest that Lara Logan, who reported the Benghazi story, contact Boduszynski and ask him to go to Tripoli with her and actually see what goes on in the complex world of diplomacy in this region.
Larry Klimas
Los Angeles
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