U.S. policies to blame

In his Op-Ed article, “Coping with Iran’s nuclear ambitions” (Aug. 22), Fariborz Mokhtari touches on the essence of the ill-fated American relationship with the Arab world. It is clear that the adversarial U.S. attitude during the last few decades, and in particular the belligerence during our current administration, toward Islamic countries has evoked intense aversion and outright hatred.

Sadly, we now fear a terrorist behind every Arab face. It did not have to be this way. Our country’s leadership, reveling in unmatched military power and suffering from acute megalomania, rejects diplomacy and dialogue. If this policy of war and threat persists, we are assured of continued hostility toward our country.

PETER WEISBROD

Laguna Beach