Crushing Iraq’s War Machine

I strongly disagree with Raymond Cohen and Robin Ranger (“Crush Iraqi War Power or No Deal,” Commentary, Oct. 3) who equate a negotiated settlement to the present gulf crisis with appeasement a la Hitler. The authors seem conveniently oblivious not only to the historical asymetries between Hitler and Saddam Hussein, but also fail to honestly appreciate the underlying justification for United States and United Nations involvement.

The United States, various Islamic nations and other members of the U.N. have not joined partnership to “destroy” Iraq or “Saddam’s war machine.” The United States is involved because it wants to ensure the free flow of oil from Saudi Arabia. The others are involved under U.N. auspices to defend the cause of international peace and the security of a member nation. These are pragmatic and workable objectives; and if they can be achieved through negotiations even in the “traditional Middle Eastern style,” all effort must be made.

Cohen and Ranger contradict themselves in stating that a major and visible U.S. military presence in the region would be counterproductive because it would provoke religious fanaticism and Arab nationalism and make Saddam Hussein a hero. So will a “swift destruction of Saddam’s war machine.” For in destroying the “war machine,” thousands of innocent Iraqis and Kuwaitis will be destroyed. So will thousands of soldiers from America, Saudi Arabia and many other countries. So will thousands of innocent foreign hostages.

Hussein will not be blamed for this destruction; rather, he will attain mythical status among the Arab masses for having stood against Western infidels.

AL MARIAM, Victorville