Distrust of U.S.

Re “Diplomacy on the Defensive,” Nov. 14: This article highlights the what, where, who and how of besieged American diplomacy, but it falls short on the why. Could it be that foreign citizens look upon Americans with distrust for good reason? For decades now, Congress and the executive branch have supported repressive, authoritarian regimes in Central and South America-- an outgrowth of the Monroe Doctrine. And in the rest of the world, the U.S. has sought economic and political hegemony.

Our talk of human rights abuses by other governments begins to seem hypocritical when you look at the factual history of CIA meddling in the affairs of foreign countries, and when you learn of the U.S.-based multinational corporations that have unfairly exploited foreign labor and resources, the picture grows clearer still. U.S. official and business interests are no friends of the average foreign citizen. Little wonder our diplomatic corps is experiencing worldwide hostility.

U.S. media are mostly silent on American abuses abroad and are therefore implicit collaborators in making America an international pariah in the eyes of the have-nots.

JORDAN ELGRABLY

Los Angeles