U.N. Could Disarm Iraq Without War

Just how is the United Nations risking “irrelevance,” as your Feb. 16 editorial posits? Has the U.N., through its inspection program and fervent debate, not prevented the insanity of an attack on Iraq by our misguided country? Is it not, through this very debate, opening the door to finding solutions other than the killing of thousands, perhaps millions, with our military might?

It’s true, of course, that the United States is using every means at its disposal to close this door. If it succeeds, it will certainly bankrupt itself morally and, in all likelihood, economically as well. Then, as the world struggles to pick up the pieces, just who will be “irrelevant”?

Julie Ford

Huntington Beach

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Michael Ramirez listed the U.N. resolutions that Saddam Hussein has not abided by, on a roll of toilet paper (editorial cartoon, Commentary, Feb. 16). I am looking forward to his cartoon listing all the international treaties that the Bush administration has abrogated.

Peter Weisbrod

Laguna Beach

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We should have piled on to France’s idea to increase the number of weapons inspectors and spearheaded an “international army” of inspectors from each of our allied countries, thus achieving the support and involvement of nations united to disarm Hussein. We might be able to find a way to use those troops already deployed in the service of inspection as well, entering Iraq without firing a shot!

Instead, George the 2nd is being outmaneuvered and outfoxed by Hussein. Smart weapons don’t compensate for dumb leaders.

Ian Halsema

Los Angeles