PETER FAGAN,
Sir, - John Lombard (January 8th) is aggrieved by the criticism being levelled at the US for its bombing of Afghanistan. He disagrees with the contention that "only through negotiations are political problems solved". I believe that this is a fair and rational argument. Random bombing and the wilful destruction of a country is not the answer. What has the US achieved?
Several thousand innocent lives have been lost, not to mention the crippling of the country's economy. Surely, it is time for the US to take stock. The continued military strikes have probably led to as many deaths as on September 11th.
Although the strikes stem from a different motive, they have not nullified the threat of another attack from bin Laden. Who is to say that "negotiating" and understanding the reason for September 11th is not a viable alternative? - Yours, etc.,
PETER FAGAN,
Thormanby Road
Howth,
Co Dublin.