Terrorism Must Be Fought on Political, Economic Fronts

“Anti-Terror Plan Needs Economic Component” [James Flanigan, Sept. 16] went a long way to help us understand one of the most basic motivations in the Middle East: economic conditions.

However, though an “economic component” is necessary, purely economic action will not really address the political issues that hobble these countries in terms of economic advance.

As your article points out, government-run business monopolies, lack of democratic process and cronyism are tremendous inhibitions to economic progress. The quickest way to economic prosperity is probably investment of capital from other countries. But because the problems are internal political issues beyond the control of richer countries, it is unlikely they will see these countries as hospitable investment zones until such conditions change.

The only way to improve economic conditions is to change the governmental culture prevalent in the Middle East. That can be meaningfully changed only by the people in those countries, and that takes time. Any rude intervention on the part of outsiders will only make things worse.

Dwight Smith

Los Angeles

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Were not the group of terrorists who murdered so many of our countrymen long-term residents in this country? Were they not well taken care of? Did they not have the opportunity to study and better themselves? Did the state or my fellow Americans abuse them?

If we take care of the poverty, these terrorists will not come and murder our children (as they did)?

When one is confronted with a virus, it must be eradicated.

J. William Stinde

Compton