How Can the US Best Aid the Shiites?

Regarding the editorial "Helping the Shiites - and Others," Aug. 24: I agree that the Iraq government should halt the oppression of the Shiites and the Kurds within its borders. The United States should back United Nations Resolution 688, demanding that Iraq stop this oppression. It would not be wise, however, for the US to insist on taking the lead in reinstating Desert Storm operations in southern Iraq. The US record of insisting on compliance with UN resolutions is quite shaky.

British Prime Minister John Major says the Western powers cannot "just stand by" and watch the "systematic destruction of a whole people." Interestingly, and not mentioned in the editorial, Britain and the US have stood by for over 40 years as Israel works at the destruction of a whole people - the Palestinians. William V. Kelly, Austin, Texas

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