Hussein’s Hold on Iraq

Contrary to popular reports, Iraq has not satisfied the Bush Administration’s deadline to fully comply with all U.N. resolutions. Saddam Hussein’s government is still maintaining its embargo against the Kurds in an attempt to starve them out and regularly shells civilian populations centers in both Kurdistan and the Shiite south.

While the Bush Administration vigorously acts to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, it can’t seem to lift its voice, let alone supply weapons, to the millions of Kurds and Shiites who are being silently starved and assaulted by Saddam and his Baath compatriots.

We must ask ourselves why these people matter so much less to the Bush Administration than the Kuwaitis, the Afghans or the Contras.

CYRUS SALAM, Oakland