International Letters: Killing Taliban Pows

In the extremely complicated environment of today's Russia, as Russian Orthodox dignitaries pity themselves on "Russians being stolen before we have a chance to get to them," there is a simple question to be put to them: Where have you been these last seven decades? How come Russians are stolen from the Russian Orthodox Church so easily? How come Hungarians, Czechs, Poles and others are not being stolen from their churches?
Kristoph Bonietzki
Lubeck, Germany

Saddam's Student

Regarding your article "Saddam's Game" (World Affairs, May 6), it seems that Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was an apt student of the Iraqi dictator when it came to his own "string along the United Nations" tactics. Note his imperious refusal to allow the United Nations' fact-finding mission into Jenin, his delaying actions and his ultimate success in having the United Nations abandon its efforts. What an obvious ploy and what a super way to cover up the suspected massacres, the revenge killings of innocent civilians, the mindless flattening of Palestinian homes. It was all so assiduously kept under wraps and left unproven. A part of the billions of U.S. dollars lavished on Israel could perhaps be diverted to the rebuilding of the Palestinian infrastructure, the smashed and desolate Palestinian homes.
Colin J. Fairrie
St. Albans, England

Don't Whine for a Bonanza

I very much enjoyed Allan Sloan's article about the bear market ("Will the Party Start Again?" Business, June 10). Where he explained in a concise and straightforward manner why the '90s bonanza is over and won't be back any time soon. He pointed out that it's no use whining about today's market, which as he so rightly put it, is just returning to the "normal mode." A great article with well-seasoned examples, humor and good math. I've passed it on to my colleagues at the Asset Management Division.
Yves Aka
Udine, Italy

Of God, America and the Flag