Islamic Fundamentalism as a Focus of U.S. Fear

Re “Bin Laden Types Soften With Legitimacy,” Commentary, Oct. 16: Michael Hechter makes a very good point, and one that we should have learned from the Cold War.

During the Cold War, we opposed the spread of socialism, even assisting in the overthrow of the freely elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile. But then, socialist governments were voted into office all across Europe. Today, Karl Marx would be pleased.

Now, it is Islamic fundamentalism that we fear. Curious that Iran, after only 20 years, is becoming more moderate, and even in the current crisis acting as our ally.

As we learn more about these radical movements, it seems like they all had their origins in the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been blocked from participation in governing for the past 75 years--so they turn to terrorism.

James Tolles

Redondo Beach

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Re “Patriots Can Ask Questions,” Commentary, Oct. 17: John Balzar is right when he says it’s not just proper but essential that we ask questions. I have a few of my own, such as, is it time to throw down the nuclear gauntlet now or should we threaten the Taliban with anthrax? Truth is, there are no rules of engagement when it comes to hunting down lunatics like Osama bin Laden. On the one hand, we have the most sophisticated weaponry on the planet. On the other, we are looking for a relatively small handful of terrorists hiding in caves--or living across the street, as has been the case.

There is no question in my mind that war clearly has been declared on us. The only question remaining is this: How far are we willing to go to put an end to it?

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach

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Re “They’re Rich, They’re Spoiled, They’re Supporting Terrorists,” Commentary, Oct. 16:

Robert Scheer hit the nail right on the head with his commentary on the rich Saudi businessmen and their lackeys who help support people like Bin Laden. Let’s admit the fact that many of these people hate us. I often ask myself who would champion the cause of democracy and freedom if this country were to fall.

We are not perfect, but I believe we’re the best thing going in this imperfect world.

Roger J. DesRosiers

Redondo Beach

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I assume Scheer is exaggerating to make a point. I have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia and traveled its length. You could not bomb any city in Saudi Arabia, except perhaps Mecca and Medina, without killing Americans, Europeans, Asians, Australians, etc.

Are there radical Islamic citizens of Arabia? Sure. Are they free to spend their money as they please? Yes. Are they the majority? No.

Are there American citizens who, wittingly or unwittingly, have sent money to help the Taliban? Undoubtedly. Should we kill all these people? Of course not.

Bill Fallon

Newport Beach

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The Saudi oligarchs were buying “protection” by financing terrorists to go after others. Also, they refused to help the Palestinians with economic aid but wanted them kept in camps suffering abject poverty these past 50 years, while scapegoating Israel as the Arab enemy. The jig is up.

George Magit

Northridge

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“It’s clear that Mr. Bin Laden is a man who is an evil man,” said President Bush (Oct. 16). Why is the president referring to this monster as “Mr. Bin Laden”? Did we dignify Adolf Hitler by calling him “Mr. Hitler” during the war years? I don’t think so.

Mary De Camp

Los Angeles

Please, please, President Bush, find more appropriate terminology than the “evil one” and the “evil-doers.” Such titles sound and feel too much like words used by extremist religious groups. Moreover, we want future generations never to forget the name of Bin Laden.

Susan Sokoloff

Beverly Hills