U.S. Response to Mideast Terrorism

The questionable murder of a U.S. Marine colonel by Iranian-influenced henchmen illustrates how far the situation in Lebanon has deteriorated. How much longer is U.S. foreign policy going to be dictated by a small group of irrational terrorists whose perversity includes videotaping their tortured victims?

By criticizing the Israeli commando action against the Muslim clergyman we are strengthening the bloody hands of men who desire to practice their wicked works in the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It is time the U.S. State Department learns the definition of terrorism and begins applying the necessary pressures that will teach these murderers that while they may take and hold individuals they shall not hold our nation or its government hostage.

EDWARD J. REITER

Escondido