NATO Mobilizes Against Terrorism

Re “U.S. Moves Fast to Form Anti-Terror Coalition,” Sept. 13: The U.S. and NATO must enact swift justice and use military force against the perpetrators of this heinous crime, their backers and the governments that support terrorism.

However, we must also address the long-term problem. The next generation will come back with continued and even more dangerous fanaticism unless we use the same technique we used with Japan and Germany--don’t alienate them, assimilate them. Terrorists and their government backers use the Islamic religion, which does not at its core preach this madness, to brainwash naive and impoverished youths into performing inhuman acts for their leaders’ own twisted (and nonreligious) desires.

We must take it upon ourselves to dismantle these governments, install and guide local democracies and teach at least two generations about freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Only then can their citizens learn what it means to be a human being.

Mark F. Karmelich

Rancho Palos Verdes

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It is prophetic that NATO has invoked Article 5, for the first time in its existence, in response to the terrorists’ attacks that occurred Tuesday. This article was written over 50 years ago with one major intent: an attack on a European ally would provide the legal basis for a response by the United States. In this “new war for a new century” it has been used for the exact opposite reason. The times have truly changed.

Gordon Ohning

Marina del Rey

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Terrorists have shown us the parameters under which they plan to wage this war. Unless we accept and endure similar boundaries, as we did in World War II and earlier, the results of this war will be little different from those in Vietnam--a costly and protracted battle we do not win.

Brian Sheridan

Oceanside

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I am troubled by our rush toward war. So many of our leaders rattle their sabers, lusting for revenge. This is not a country that has attacked us, it is a terrorist organization. They want us to attack them to show the world how horrible we can be. There is no doubt that those responsible should be held accountable. But should we level a nation just to get one man? I am terribly afraid that our president only understands vengeance. Let’s get off the bandwagon and call off the dogs of war.

Mark Andresen

Los Angeles

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The best outcome of the investigation into the recent terrorist attacks will be to see the arraignment and trial of all those who had anything to do with the atrocity. The worst outcome would be the infliction of more suffering by military force.

Janet Macaulay

Claremont