Sir, - The Middle East conflict is surely one of the most complex of modern times with legitimate claims and counterclaims made by all sides. Even seasoned observers of the region find it difficult to understand the intricacies and deep sentiments that characterise events and processes. It was strange, therefore, that Finian Cunningham wrote a superficial article on the subject after having read Edward Said's book. Prof Said has always taken positions calling for Israel's disappearance as a sovereign State - thus placing himself beyond the pale of mainstream thinking in the region and outside it.
A more serious analysis of the two conflicts, based on deeper and more thought-out argumentation, is in order. - Yours, etc.,
Stanley A. Siev, Aungier Street, Dublin 2.