Hostages by another name

The article "Israel Is Pressed to Release Shiite Prisoners," Aug. 12, is well written, but shows an unconscious bias in favor of Israel. While the captives held in Lebanon are called "hostages," those held by Israel are referred to as "prisoners." The act of kidnapping, always reprehensible, is apparently placed on a higher moral level when committed by a state.However, when people are abducted from their homes and imprisoned for years without criminal charges and without trial, the victims are properly called hostages and the perpetrators are terrorists. Peter Yff, Muncie, Ind. Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.