Golan Heights

Syria’s demand that Israel concede its position completely before resuming talks (Jan. 18) is unreasonable and typical of the one-sided pressure placed against Israel. Unfortunately, the media rarely point this out.

RICHARD SOLOMON

Los Angeles

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In your Jan. 12 editorial, “Mideast Gains Must Come Soon,” I find it unbelievable that you failed to report that if this peace accord is signed the American taxpayer (thanks to promises by President Clinton), would have to foot the bill to the tune of billions of dollars. Why should we pay the ransom for disputes between Israel and Syria?

To help countries whose economies are so poor there is starvation or that have suffered natural disasters is what foreign aid is all about. To continue to make Israel (which to my knowledge has none of these problems) the leading recipient of foreign aid year after year is outrageous.

JEAN SCHMIEDER

Los Angeles