To the editor: With the fall of Syria’s harsh ruler and the opening of its prisons, the world is now witnessing the full extent of the cruelty that Bashar Assad inflicted on innocent civilians for years. Many Syrians were kidnapped, held in appalling conditions, tortured, and killed.
All one needs to know about Russian leader Vladimir Putin is that he offered refuge to Assad, a man who should face trial for his atrocities against humanity, much like the Nazis did at Nuremberg.
Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Pa.
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To the editor: Is there anyone besides this op-ed writer who can claim a “new regime” is firmly in place just a week after Assad’s fall? Did the writer pause to consider why, after enduring bombings at will and having its borders invaded with American support by Israel, the Syrian public might not find the proposed dictates compelling?
The history is clear on how U.S. strategic interests in the region have often been assumed to be more valid and important than those of individual countries. If no one in Syria remembers or knows how effective the U.S. State Department’s recycled strategies were in Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan, perhaps the writer’s perspective might not seem so uninformed.
Ted Rosenblatt, Pacific Palisades
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To the editor: Peace is undoubtedly more economical than ongoing conflict. It’s time for a regional ceasefire in the Middle East, with immediate dialogue between the Kurds and Turks, the various Lebanese factions and Israelis, and, naturally, between the Palestinians and Israelis.
In the long run, I doubt anyone will lament the loss of the Assad regime. Even including the Iranians and Russians, who found him to be an embarrassment, they will all face some difficult negotiations that could potentially bring peace to the region. No land grabs or expulsions, just a pledge of equality, respect, and non-aggression to neighboring countries.
The U.S. must support the stability of Syria’s future government. There are far too many who have died in these conflicts, who should instead have been sharing joyous moments with their grandchildren.
Mike Caggiano, San Mateo
