The Most Moving Piece on the War

David Zucchino’s report of the attack into Baghdad by the armored column from the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division was the most moving piece on the war that has appeared in The Times (“The Thunder Run,” Dec. 7). The harrowing tale provided much more detail than the news media released at the time, where some reports painted the attack almost as a walk in the park. Since the U.S. possesses the capability of destroying an enemy before we ask any American to risk his life, why was the column ordered to drive down Highway 8 before every risk of attack was eliminated? Were we afraid that the Arab world would recoil from the sight of the city being leveled in advance of our troops? I would have voted for the destruction of the city and its inhabitants before one American was asked to drive down that road.

Kevin H. Park

North Hollywood

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I found myself cringing every time you referred to the Iraq conflict as a “war.” Despite all of the so-called “police actions,” “liberations” and “peacekeeping missions” over the last 30 years or so, this country hasn’t been involved in a declared “war” in decades. Let’s call this one what it is: an invasion.

Stosh Machek

Glendale