Iran’s nuclear stance calls for diplomacy

Re “White House Calls Iranian Letter a Ploy,” May 9

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has placed the United States in check by simply writing a letter. In one stroke, Iran has established itself as the purveyor of a peaceful end, making it nearly impossible for the U.S. to persuade the United Nations to impose sanctions. It also projects the U.S. as dismissive and closed.

We have to face the reality that diplomacy with Iran is the only way to prevent a potentially disastrous chain of events. With our troops already fighting a war with no discernible outcome or timeline, provoking others into the fray of combat could be catastrophic -- not only in the cost of lives but in the overall attitude the rest of the world has toward a country that continues to use and threaten force to resolve diplomatic issues.

DAVID GALLEGOS

San Diego

*

Iran has in its own way offered to open the door to discussions with the U.S., and the White House has slammed it shut. The White House is throwing away what may be the last opportunity to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue diplomatically. President Bush and others have repeatedly said diplomacy is the top priority. Rejecting Ahmadinejad’s letter makes that rhetoric sound like a lie.

The president appears to be using any possible excuse to avoid talks, including a statement that Iran owes accountability to the international community, not to the U.S. The U.S. appears ready to take the lead on sanctions but not on talks. Bush should quickly reconsider this potentially destructive decision and show some positive leadership.

WILLIAM GOLDMAN

Palos Verdes Estates

*

It is clear that the administration has made up its mind about Iran. We may look forward to future messages from Tehran being described as lies, evasions and subterfuge. Diplomacy at its finest!

On the plus side, maybe the military will have an opportunity to refine the use of its “bunker buster” bombs on the Iranians, resulting in another foreign-policy triumph and the reshaping of the Middle East and its oil to the liking of Bush and the neocons.

God help us.

WILLIAM A. MUELLER

Sherman Oaks