Egypt’s Action Against Hijackers

Congratulations, to all the “huevos diplomacy” types. The macho crowd, ranging from Cap Weinberger and Al Haig, to George Shultz and Ronald Reagan, finally got their way. The Egyptian commandos certainly taught those passengers a lesson. None of them will ever get on an airplane with a terrorist again.

Unfortunately, radical terrorists seldom learn such lessons. The dead terrorists will likely be seen as “martyrs to the cause,” whose actions will inspire similar incidents. Violence is seldom a deterrent to those who live violently. Its impact on the innocent is all too clear.

The Egyptian government may have been convinced that the commandos were the only hope for rescuing any passengers. In that case, of course, their action was necessary. But all those macho-types, whose egos were sated by the thought of burning terrorists, should consider (if they are capable) the aggregate anguish of the victims and their loved ones.

Those who try to put a “deterrent” face on violent revenge, run the risk of sacrificing others’ lives to a “knee-jerk,” emotional reaction. No one should be asked to sacrifice the life of a parent, spouse or child to the collective egos of a “get-even” generation.

WILLIAM G. CARROLL

Altadena