Amid Images of War, Aphrodite Shines

Worthy of Hollywood treatment is the courageous story of how a team of curators managed to salvage great historical artifacts from the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan in the 1980s (“ ‘Secrets’ Worth Weight in Gold,” Nov. 18). One can only imagine what the Taliban would have done with the gold likeness of Aphrodite, among other treasures. That the curators kept their secret for nearly a quarter of a century is especially encouraging.

Nor can we be smug about our so-called advanced civilization. From the moment John Ashcroft covered the statue of Justice, I’ve wondered when they would want to cover the bare arm of the Statue of Liberty.

Frederick Cleveland

Hollywood

*

The front-page photograph of Aphrodite was stunning and a most welcome reminder that there is beauty in the world. After so many months of images from the war in Iraq and the battle for the White House, that winged goddess of love was a balm for the soul. Thank you for the glimpse of the spared treasures of a nearly lost heritage. May the Kabul Museum, where these artifacts rest, soothe the souls of visitors for generations to come.

Maria M. Ruth

Redlands