‘Statesman’ is an unlikely title

Re “ ‘Wise Man’ or wannabe?” Current, Dec. 3

Walter Issacson writes that James A. Baker III had a difficult time, in a recent memoir, “suppressing his smug awareness” that the Iraq war may be the worst policy disaster in American history. But any smugness on Baker’s part seems unwarranted. If Bush were not president, there would be no Iraq war. And Bush would not be president if it had not been for Baker. When it seemed that Bush’s presidential aspirations were doomed in Florida, Baker -- the Bush family consigliere -- rode to the rescue, wheeling and dealing. It follows, then, that Baker is in the forefront of those most responsible for the unconscionable debacle in Iraq. “Statesman” is not a word I would use for him, no matter how many study groups he chairs.

RONALD RUBIN

Topanga

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How nice for Republicans like Baker that they can change positions on issues and be called “wise” for it, while any Democrat would be called a “flip-flopper.” And for opposing the Iraq war they are known as “pragmatists” instead of “radicals.” You’d think after the debacle that is the war in Iraq, we’d now be listening to those who most vocally insisted on its folly beforehand, instead of neocon supporters of the administration.

ANDREW MATTHEWS

North Hollywood