A chara, - The Israeli Defence Forces' strategy of systematically destroying Lebanese territory and infrastructure in the belief that these actions will drive the Lebanese people away from Hizbullah is breathtaking in its stupidity.
Anyone with even a cursory understanding of guerrilla warfare would realise that guerrilla groups only gain in support from excessive military repression.
The Vietcong could not have sustained itself without the support of the people, stimulated in large part by indiscriminate American military assaults.
Britain's military excesses in Ireland sustained conflict in our own country.
If Israel's aim is to end support for Hizbullah, it would be better off withdrawing from all of Lebanon, all of Palestine and all of Syria.
Without this occupation, support for Hizbullah, and indeed Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groupings would evaporate.
The Israelis are in a privileged position in that they, and they alone, hold the power either to sustain the conflict indefinitely or end it decisively through a just settlement. - Is mise,
CHRIS Ó RÁLAIGH, Droim Chonrach, Baile Átha Cliath 9.
Madam, - Seán Mac Cárthaigh (August 4th) berates your newspaper for publishing a satirical cartoon on the tragic incident in Qana.
Martyn Turner's cartoon played off the miracle of Christ turning water into wine against the phenomenon of Israeli bombs turning decent Lebanese into terrorist supporters. Mr Mac Cárthaigh was upset by this cartoon and believed it would offend believing Christians.
As a believing Christian, I found the comparison quite apt and a strong reminder of the tragedy that occurs in the land in which Christ once walked. - Yours, etc,
STIOFÁN MAC CLÉIRIGH, Donabate, Co Dublin.
Madam, - How tragic that the hell-hole the Middle East has become, with the massacre of hundreds of innocent victims, and the wanton destruction of homes and property, all has its origin in a difference of religious beliefs.
When will the peoples of the world ever learn to live in peace with their neighbours? - Yours, etc,
VERA HUGHES, Moate, Co Westmeath.