Dividing U.S. Resources in Fight Against Terrorism

Re “Don’t Forget Afghanistan,” editorial, March 31: Once again, it’s obvious that the Bush administration, by erroneously focusing on Iraq, is losing the war on terrorism. President Bush put our country into a war of choice, not a war of necessity. Osama bin Laden predicted that the United States would conquer an Arab country for its oil, and we obligingly conquered an Arab country, giving Bin Laden even more credibility and support.

There weren’t terrorists in Iraq before the U.S. invasion and occupation. There are now, and we are committed to a wasteful, expensive occupation with no end in sight. In so doing, we have alienated most of the rest of the world at a time when international support in the war against terrorism is critical. Most important of all, resources that should be used in Afghanistan, an actual hotbed of terrorism, are tied up in Iraq. With an enemy like Bush, Bin Laden has an unwitting friend.

Constance Giguere

Palos Verdes Peninsula

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About a year ago, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld boastfully philosophized, “wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do for Iraq what we have done for Afghanistan?” This might be an appropriate time for him to modify his statement somewhat -- that is, unless he expects the U.S. to assist the Iraqis in bringing opium production into Iraq. This administration has already succeeded, beyond Rumsfeld’s wildest dreams, in just about destroying that country, watching their warlord tribal leaders continue to battle each other and cooperative people killed off systematically, and increasing their disrespect for America. What else does Rumsfeld have in mind at this time to assist the Iraqis so they can enjoy the freedom and democracy -- forget security -- that he and the other Bush “Vulcans” have bestowed on the people of Afghanistan?

June Maguire

Mission Viejo

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The Bush administration’s decision to make Iraq the centerpiece of a Mideast democratization experiment has backfired. Under the guise of WMD and with no “day after” planning, Bush’s war in Iraq will leave us hurting for a long, long time. This tragic foreign policy decision, when combined with not finishing off Al Qaeda two years ago in Afghanistan, will be viewed harshly for decades to come.

Besides ousting Bush, a new American mind-set must now decide how to give the keys back, rebuild alliances, adjust methods of battling terrorism, abolish all U.S. dependency on Mideast oil and bring our troops home. Bush had a chance after 9/11 but unfortunately lost his way.

Bill Rolfing

Laguna Beach