Lebanon

* We learn from The Times’ June 1 editorial that Israel drove the Syrian army out of Lebanon in 1982. The U.S. government (probably a reference to President George Bush) allowed them back in as a price to get them to join our alliance against Iraq in the Gulf War. In other words, we gave up Lebanon in order to save Kuwait. In retrospect that doesn’t sound like such a good deal. Syrian President Hafez Assad probably hoodwinked Bush. We didn’t need Syrian compliance. We didn’t have to give up Lebanon’s sovereignty in order to restore the questionable sovereignty of Kuwait.

When are we going to learn not to interfere in the affairs of other countries? They are better at bargaining than we are. We created a tremendous problem for Israel. We allowed Assad to be in a position to thwart the entire Middle East peace process.

RONALD LEVER

Encino

* I am an American of Lebanese decent who recently spent four years in Lebanon. Deep political and religious divisions still plague the country. We tend to forget that Lebanon is still reeling from the aftermath of a 17-year civil war, a ruthless 1982 invasion and the subsequent Israeli attacks. The actions of Hezbollah and its rise as a resistance movement in the south is largely symbolic of the overall sentiment, “Let’s just get them out any way we can!”

Where do the Lebanese go from here? An end to what is practically a Syrian hegemony is necessary but not the only aspect that should be in focus. A full investigation along with a war crimes tribunal should be set up. The complex internal problems and bad blood that contributed to causing the civil war are being swept under the carpet. We need to acknowledge them, if Lebanon is ever to get over the carnage that has characterized its recent history.

NADIA KHATIB

West Hills