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Climate change science It's odd that Jeff Jacoby ("The jury is still out," Views, Aug. 21) needs hundreds of words to conclude that the science of climate change is still young and unsettled. I know very little about climate change, and I could have come to the same conclusion. But what's the point? Does Jacoby mean to say that we should sit back and relax because it's improbable that humans are responsible for climate change? After almost half a century, the scientific community still debates whether there is a causal relationship between smoking and cancer. Yet such uncertainty would not deter me from keeping cigarettes from my children.
When it comes to the environment, we cannot err on the wrong side. Investing in the efficient use of existing energy sources and researching new sources is economically viable, environmentally sound and probably healthier for humans. Let's not let statistical doubts cloud common sense. Thomas Andrassy Enschede, Netherlands While one might find some interesting points to consider in Jeff Jacoby's column regarding the global climate change debate, it is unfortunate he chooses to take several cheap shots at former Vice President Al Gore. In so doing he has put himself and his argument on the side of those who care little for reasonable debate on this very serious issue but instead seek to foster a political agenda. Wesley Thomas Thessaloniki, Greece The long struggle Regarding the editorial "The good war, still to be won" (Aug. 21): President John F. Kennedy eloquently talked about "a long twilight struggle" against the "common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself." His words are as relevant in today's world as they were 40 years ago. But to be victorious in the war on terrorism, the Bush administration must show a stronger willingness to help in the resolution of the intractable Arab-Israeli conflict, which is fanning the embers of distrust and loathing toward the West in the Middle East, and engage constructively with Iran and Syria to try to stabilize Iraq. This is the way to drain the swamps of terrorism and not simply nurture them by militaristic misadventures that are meant to prop up client regimes and shield them from prosecution. The profanity and obscenity of American foreign policy has squandered an ideal opportunity to forge a viable alliance with the Arab and Muslim world in the aftermath of the horrendous acts of September 11th. The war will never be won without the cooperation of Muslim communities that are increasingly viewed with misgivings and fears. Munjed Farid al-Qutob, London Article Link |
