Kidnappings in Iraq

Re “Six More Foreigners Are Kidnapped in Iraq,” July 22: The latest kidnappings in Iraq suggest a new trend. Rather than simply demanding that foreign governments withdraw troops and other personnel from Iraq, the new demands include the withdrawal of companies that employed the hostages. Attacking companies doing business in Iraq sends the message that Western-style business is not welcome.

All countries, including Arab countries, espousing Western values and practices, such as free enterprise, the rule of law and representative government, will be targets for terrorists. The Saudis realize this and have taken an offensive against Al Qaeda terrorists in their country. All nations will wake up to this fact and rout out terrorists on their soil.

Sheryl Hamlin

Palm Springs