Justice Waits in Argentina

Two years have passed since the bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires killed 87 people. The investigation has been desultory, and those who ordered the bombing are still at large. President Carlos Menem must get to the bottom of the tragedy and punish all who are found guilty in the courts.

Twelve police officers and two former officers were arrested recently in connection with the attack. Some of them are suspected of selling stolen vehicles, including the van used as a car bomb to demolish the community center.

Six months ago eight officers of the Argentine army were arrested on charges they were part of an anti-Semitic cell within the military that could be linked to the bombing.

Intelligence services in the United States and Israel think that Iranian-backed guerrillas had a role in the massacre, and an Argentine judge working on the case has come to the same conclusion.

Whether the attack was the work of domestic rightists or international terrorists, the Argentine government should be rigorously following every lead. The Jewish community in Buenos Aires rightfully is pressing for progress, but so far the Menem regime has shown a notable lack of aggressiveness in the investigation. The president should understand that the high political profile of this case will not diminish in Argentina and abroad until all responsible are brought to justice.