U.S. Response to Terrorism

Terrorism is an international problem and should be handled on an international basis first. As Einstein stated, peace requires international cooperation. We must have a responsible position and make the United Nations work. For the U.S. to take the matter in its own hands is to polarize factions and minimize negotiations.

We have a school of assassins here. How would we react if a foreign nation invaded this country and blew it up? Wake up, America, and join the planet.

HARRY SEAGAL

Los Angeles

*

It’s about time the United States finally took decisive action against terrorist activities. The U.S. has been the victim of airline hijackings and bombings, the bombing of the World Trade Center, attacks against its worldwide embassies, in addition to the constant threat against its citizens whenever they travel in the world. As terrorist destruction has grown in frequency and in the number of casualties, we’ve sat by passively, reacting with words and empty threats. We’ve attempted to subvert the violence against us by failed negotiations with hostile countries harboring these international criminals and a legal system that cares more about criminals than victims. Enough is enough!

The U.S. needs to show that it means business and that the death of innocent citizens will not go unpunished. If aggression is the only language terrorists understand, then we must respond in kind.

KENNETH ZIEGLER

Los Angeles

*

Re “ ‘All of Us Were Innocent,’ Says Survivor of U.S. Attack on Camp,” Aug. 24: Your reporter writes, “Sarwar . . . when he heard the high-pitched whistle of Tomahawk cruise missiles . . . ran for cover and survived.” Interesting! Ahmad Sarwar says he went to the religious camp [in Afghanistan] to “study the Koran.” I am a combat infantry veteran (WWII) who still remembers well the scream of German 88s. As I did not know until I read your article that Tomahawk cruise missiles have “a high-pitched whistle,” would I have run “for cover” without that knowledge? Sarwar’s statement belies the truth.

ROBERT M. FRANK

Rancho Palos Verdes