April Glaspie’s Testimony

I am disappointed in the newspaper reports concerning the testimony of Glaspie before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She made many more important revelations, as observed on TV’s C-Span (March 20), than those reported.

Glaspie made it very clear that Saddam had made his plans to invade Kuwait, and probably continue into Saudi Arabia, months earlier so negotiations were pointless and meaningless. She also points out the futility of a blockade without Arab states’ support, which didn’t come until after our military action of Aug. 2.

These very points were what most Middle East observers were trying to make clear during the so-called anti-war demonstrations. Those people screaming “negotiate” certainly had the right to their opinion, but unfortunately it merely demonstrated their naivete and lack of knowledge concerning Mideast politics.

This is clear vindication of those of us who supported President Bush’s policy. I hope those who demonstrated against it will now show some activity in support of protecting our vital interests and the sovereignty of all Middle East states.

IRVING E. FRIEDMAN, Laguna Niguel