Are Terrorists for or Against Bush?

Re “Terrorists’ October Surprise,” Commentary, Sept. 2: It is highly unlikely that Osama bin Laden would want to launch any attacks in October that would upset President Bush’s reelection. Thus far, Bush has acted more like a puppet on a string manipulated by Bin Laden. Every one of Bush’s actions or inactions (as with the Palestinian conflict) have brought death, chaos and instability to the Middle East, expanding Al Qaeda’s reach and influence.

Bush is Bin Laden’s dream president, as they both share the same belief that their respective God brought Bush to office. Expect flowers and kisses from Al Qaeda in October, but in November, well, don’t leave your house.

Carlos A. Khantzis

Woodland Hills

*

For Max Boot to write that Bush “has more of a stake in the outcome of this war than his challenger does” is disturbingly instructive of the mind-set of the Republican punditry. Boot worries about the outcome of the war on the fortunes of the leader of his party. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to write that American servicemen and servicewomen, American prestige, American credibility, American security and America’s future as a beacon of humanity’s progress and possibilities are stakes that dwarf the stakes for a politician? Is the nuanced message Republican stakes first, American stakes second?

Gene Touchet

Cathedral City, Calif.

*

Poll the terrorists too? It seems just about every group has been polled on the presidential election, but where do the terrorists stand? Boot thinks they want to influence the election against Bush, but I think they strongly endorse his reelection because no one has done more to increase their support in the Arab world than the Bush administration.

Gordon Globus

Laguna Beach

*

What would, in Boot’s estimation, constitute American victory? The rhetoric surrounding the war in Iraq begins to more and more resemble that of the Vietnam War. How much longer until we hear talk of dominoes?

Mike McCarthy

Irvine