The U.S. faces a web of problems in Iraq

Niall Ferguson explains how British imperialists, wishing to keep the peace, ran afoul of religious and political strife that erupted into civil war after their departure from India (Opinion, Sept. 26). He makes it clear that if the U.S. lets go in Iraq, it will mean not only civil war but the outbreak of a regional war in the Middle East. The U.S. has neither the resources nor the will to change the outcome in Iraq by military force. It may be the last possible moment to rethink our diplomatic policies if we are to avoid provoking a nuclear war.

PEGGY COFFMAN STAGGS

Orange

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In response to new allegations of prisoner abuse in Iraq (Sept. 25), the Army says there have been more than 400 investigations already. Given the trouble Capt. Ian Fishback had getting his chain of command to pay attention, it may well be that these 400 investigations concern only a fraction of the actual cases. It is a sorry reflection on the state of our country that his personal adherence to honor, dignity and justice will in all likelihood cost him his career dedicated to protecting America.

KATHARINE MOORE

Santa Monica

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Re “Missteps Hamper Iraqi Oil Recovery,” Sept. 26

While Halliburton subsidiary KBR fails in getting the Iraqi oil industry back on its feet, President Bush taps into the nation’s strategic oil reserve to keep the heat off his administration. And the deficit just keeps on growing.

JIM HOUGHTON

Encino