Readers React: Will fighting another Mideast war do any good?

To the editor: In 2001, we went into Afghanistan to thump down the mole of Al Qaeda, which had raised its ugly head there. Then President George W. Bush wanted to beat down the Saddam Hussein mole and sent our boys to Iraq in 2003. (“Americans express ambivalence over a new Mideast military plunge,” Sept. 13)

After billions of dollars spent, the loss of more than 4,000 precious American lives, destruction in Iraq and the deaths of at least 100,000 Iraqis, we see another mole raising its ugly head under the banner of Islamic State.

Have we ever thought why these moles keep popping up in the Arab world? Let us step back and review this animosity against us. The solution might just lie somewhere else.

Syed S. Shere, Corona

..

To the editor: The problem with dropping bombs is that it may help in the short term, but in the long term some other, more violent group will fill the void. If we truly want to stabilize the region, we must look to improve the living conditions of the people there.

Just like in our country, people want to work and to have the ability to improve their living situations. If we focus on building a better life for the people in Iraq and Syria, maybe wars will become less frequent.

Linda Shabsin, Diamond Bar

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