Khartoum

* “Khartoum at Crossroads” by Kim Murphy (World Report, July 27) is a piece of writing rarely seen in journalism. The writer offers her arguments with well-crafted description. The reliance on the selection of scenic detail rather than the delivery of fully articulated opinion addresses the analytic reader; those who respond only to sermons, political tracts and harangues must read elsewhere.

All writing (indeed, all language) is rhetorical, but a talented writer can raise it to the level of art. The writing in this piece (especially the lead-in) does just that: It achieves a poetic quality redolent of Somerset Maugham. Brava!

CHARLES JOYCE

Lake Forest