Readers React: Band-Aid solutions for Syria are what we can afford

To the editor: Sometime in the distant past I remember hearing wiser voices, from people with a broader view of history, adamantly assert that only when the various combatants in the Middle East take steps to forge a different future for their people can a lasting solution be secured. (“Obama tries a Band-Aid for Syria,” Op-Ed, Nov. 4)

After Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, we should have learned that bombs and boots alone are doomed to failure. Those wiser voices are being drowned out by the shortsighted hawks in Congress, presidential candidates, conservative pundits and military officers who believe that the U.S. can resolve the mess in the Middle East with its military might.

The wounds that are festering in those who ultimately survive the carnage are deep and will take years to heal. Until then, we will need to keep a lot of Band-Aids in stock. Be patient, America.

David Rusch, Culver City

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