Should the U.S. War Against Other Despots?

Re “Ending Horrors Justifies the Iraq War,” Commentary, Dec. 30: There is no doubt Saddam Hussein is one of the most reprehensible human beings to ever infect this planet. He fully deserved to be thrown out of power and hunted down. In that sense Matthew Gutman is correct that this war is fully justified; the world is just too small for people like Hussein to exercise power over others. But, if this is justification for going to war, who’s next? Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya?

I estimate there are 70 to 100 reprehensible dictators who oppress their people and, under the Iraqi rationale, fully deserve a visit from the U.S. military. Yes, Iraq is free of a murderous despot who, to be fair, would have given us trouble if he had the means, and we are now enmeshed in a situation that has no satisfactory solution. I’m glad this course of events makes you feel good, Mr. Gutman. I hope it turns out to be worth it.

Carl Coughlan

San Dimas

*

Re “Iraqi Council Flexes Muscles,” Dec. 29: I suggest that the Iraqi Council’s “challenging the authority and wisdom of those who gave it life” is a very good thing. In the end, Iraq and Iraqis will decide their own future. Make no mistake, it will happen, be it in six months or six years. If the U.S. is simply holding a lid on the pot, it is time to remove it and let this happen now. Bring our troops home and let the locals settle their own hash.

Robert A. Winners

Glendale

*

Re “Antiwar Family’s Conflict,” Dec. 26: Yes, Ben Colgan is a hero and, yes, he was part of a foolish and unjust war. Ben, like so many thousands of American men and women, was a hero doing what so many people do in difficult times. He did his sworn duty as well as it could be done. The lesson to be learned is that the unjust man who insisted that we embark on this fool’s errand should be removed from office as soon as possible. We owe that to Ben and so many other American heroes past and present.

Don Shaw

Los Angeles

*

Re “Japan May Forgo Most Iraqi Debt,” Dec. 29: What is the U.S. getting in return for Iraqi debt forgiveness by Japan and the other Paris Club creditor nations? Will we mere mortal taxpayers be privy to that information or surprised with another supplemental -- under the guise of reconstruction -- expense presented to us by the Pentagon? The awards: oil (while our pump prices increase) or yet more loans that we can ill afford?

Harriet Dean

Palm Springs