Holocaust in Bosnia

Walter Russell Mead writes, “Let’s be honest: Most Europeans and Americans agree ethnic cleansing is a tragedy, but somehow life goes on” (Opinion, May 9). Whose life is he talking about? Surely not those of the Bosnian Muslims who have suffered such devastating losses. Their lives have been shattered and many of them have no future; that is, they have no future free of torment and nightmares. But he is right. Our lives will go on. All we have to do is change a channel, disregard our newspapers and ignore the unpleasantness so it does not intrude into our lives.

A year ago the U.S. government could have used its influence to lift the arms embargo against the Bosnian Muslims so they could at least have had the chance to defend themselves. By denying them this fundamental right, we bear part of the responsibility for the genocide taking place today. I believe that we owe them some assistance in fighting back the Serbs.

Mead offers no suggestions for ending or preventing ethnic cleansing; he only criticizes the Administration. I am one American who commends President Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher for responding to this holocaust.

LAILA AL-MARAYATI

Muslim Women’s League

Los Angeles