http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/11/Opinion/Talking_to_Syria_and_.shtml
Talking to Syria and Iran would be a mistake 12/11 By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published December 11, 2006 Talking to Syria and Iran could benefit the Mideast and the United States? The last time I checked, Lebanon, Israel and Kurdistan are all in that region, and not only would they not "benefit" from such talks, they would also be placed in a much more precarious situation than they face now. The Syrians would demand that the United States look the other way as they continued to subjugate the Lebanese government using their proxy bullies in Hezbollah. The Iranians would ask for a free pass on their nuclear program, which threatens the existence of Israel. The Kurds would once again fear reprisals, and the resulting establishment of a Shiite crescent of power from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean would destabilize the entire region. And we are to believe that schmoozing with Syria's Bashar Assad and Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a coherent plan? Richard Scott, Clearwater 'Stay the course' is failing, report says Dec. 7 Set a firm timetable I appreciate the Times analysis of the report by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. The article combined the panel's strong call for the use of diplomacy and political processes with the analysis that our president will not change course. Each day, each hour, that this "grave and deteriorating" war continues is unbearable. We care about our women and men in Iraq and about the Iraqi people. To remain silent is unconscionable. It is time for "we the people" to demand that the senators, the representatives and the president who work for us immediately begin work to incorporate the core elements of the Iraq Study Group proposals with a firm timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. A clear declaration of the U.S. intent to withdraw all military forces and bases from Iraq and a short timetable to do so are essential to move the all-important political and diplomatic process forward. The Iraq Study Group itself recommended that the United States launch a new diplomatic initiative before the end of this month. Yet, your article makes clear in bold print that the "Panel won't follow up on recommendations." It seems that it is up to us, the citizens of this country, to follow up. I urge all my fellow citizens to call and write to Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez as well as your representatives in the House and the president and demand that we implement the recommendations of this panel and set a firm timetable for withdrawal of our forces and bases from Iraq. Karen Putney, Tampa Saudis reportedly financing insurgency Dec. 8, story Off target Imagine my surprise when I read the Saudis are sending millions in private funds to the insurgents in Iraq. Most of the individuals who participated in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were Saudi nationals. The Saudis also regularly have fundraisers to support the families of suicide bombers. When are the American people going to realize we invaded the wrong country? Sam Jordan, St. Petersburg McCain's plans on Iraq are fueled by arrogance Dec. 8, column Popular vs. right If President Franklin Roosevelt had followed Susan Estrich's advice about placing popular opinion ahead of leadership, we might be speaking German now. Lou Kirschbaum, Largo 'Naughty Corner' The recent suggestion that the United States bar exports of grown-up toys sought by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il made me realize that my daughter's use of the "Naughty Corner" with my grandchildren would provide a far better model for our relations with other countries, especially those our president has labeled the "Axis of Evil." When the children exhibit an inappropriate behavior, they are warned; if the behavior continues, they are sent to the "Naughty Corner" to reflect. The amount of time spent in the corner varies depending on the age of the child and the nature of the behavior. The isolation lasts no longer than five minutes and then the child is asked to describe the behavior that led to the placement, suggest or develop a better alternative, and then is welcomed back into the family with a hug. After the process is over, no one brings the issue up again. Imagine if our country and president subscribed to the above procedure in our relations with Iran, Syria and North Korea. We would actually be talking to these countries, attempting to develop alternative behaviors and then moving on, with a fresh slate until the next time they needed a few days in the "Naughty Corner." A far better and more effective process than simply taking away their toys. John H. Mason, Clearwater In Turkey, pope calls for dialogue with Muslims Nov. 29, story Message to Islam Had I been Pope Benedict XVI's speechwriter when he apologized for recent remarks concerning the Islamic religion, I would have suggested that he might have put it this way: "Many years ago, the Catholic Church suffered a stain on its reputation when the 'holy' crusaders killed 'unbelievers' in the name of the church. Finally this distortion of Christian doctrine was disowned and no longer tolerated. It is my prayer that my good Muslim brethren shall speak out loud and clear that terrorism is not condoned by true Islam, and all terrorists shall be driven from their midst. This battle also falls on your shoulders to correct the misconception. "In this fight I am with you, brethren - not against you. Terrorists should not be allowed to hide behind the robes of religious faith!" Elizabeth Noone, St. Petersburg +++ -------------------------- Want to discuss this topic? 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