U.S. Response to Mideast Terrorism

As a former member of the U.S. Army Rangers I must first of all applaud the action taken by Israel to kidnap Hezbollah leader Sheik Abdel Kareem Obeid from a Shiite village in southern Lebanon. However, at the same time I must offer my deepest sympathy to the family of U.S. Marine Lt. Col. William R. Higgins.

Israel showed great courage to send commandos and get an upper hand on terrorism. Israel acquired a bargaining chip to deal with the terrorists. Up to now, these terrorists have kidnaped 17 Westerners including nine U.S. citizens. The U.S., with all its military power and elite forces, has done nothing. The U.S. sat idle when a young Navy diver was killed and tossed onto the Tarmac in Beirut, U.S. Marines lost their lives in Beirut, and a U.S. citizen was killed and tossed overboard in the Mediterranean Sea.

GOP Leader Robert Dole of Kansas said, “Perhaps a little more responsibility on behalf of the Israelis would be refreshing.” Perhaps the U.S. Senate should stop debating and take action by suggesting possible solutions to combat terrorism. In the meantime, I am glad to see at least one country is making an effort to fight terrorism.

President Bush said, “There is no way I can properly express the outrage that I feel.” Maybe Bush should do as his predecessor. Disregard his critics and do what is best to show the world his outrage. Even if that outrage has to be displayed with military retaliation against terrorism. Remember (Libyan strongman Moammar) Kadafi? He has been mighty quiet lately.

EDUARDO M. TINOCO

Burbank