Posted November 16, 2002

Al-Qaeda Nukes Hoax

Asia Times Online has withdrawn the article listed on your website as "Al-Qaeda's Overlooked Message" (third from the top of your home page [November 15]). The article is based on an interview that appears to be a hoax. I'd very much appreciate it if you could remove the link from your site, as the article is no longer on the web.

Although we warned readers in the article that the facts had not been confirmed, in light of more recent information about the alleged Al Jazeera interview, we decided to withdraw it.

My sincerest apologies for this.

~ Allen Quicke, Managing Editor, Asia Times Online

Why Military Experience Matters

Regarding "He's Alive" by Justin Raimondo:

Although I still like Hitchens, it seems the author of the book Why Orwell Matters should consider why Orwell indeed matters when he attempts to say that the chickenhawk argument has no merit. Orwell tells why military experience does matter in the debate over war, and skewers the war passions of "chickenhawks" (and takes a sideswipe at self-hating pacifists too!):

"It is a matter of observation that the people least infected by war hysteria are the fighting soldiers. Of all people they are the least inclined to hate the enemy, to swallow lying propaganda or to demand a vindictive peace."

Orwell notes further how realistically soldiers assess war:

"Nearly all soldiers – and this applies even to professional soldiers in peace time – have a sane attitude towards war. They realise that it is disgusting, and that it may often be necessary. This is harder for a civilian, because the soldier's detached attitude is partly due to sheer exhaustion, to the sobering effects of danger, and to continuous friction with his own military machine."

Chickenhawks and bogus pacifists are free to fantasize, however:

"The safe and well-fed civilian has more surplus emotion, and he is apt to use it up in hating somebody or other – the enemy if he is a patriot, his own side if he is a pacifist."

From Orwell's four-volume Collection of Essays, Letters & Journalism, Vol. III, p. 200.

~ Matthew Hogan

Doesn't Make Sense

Regarding "He's Alive" by Justin Raimondo:

Your article is spot on.

What we are doing is absolutely nuts. Truth be known, Bin Laden probably supports the US attack on Saddam. It will help further Arabic peoples' hostilities toward secular type leadership in Islamic countries and help to fuel the movement toward a unification of fundamentalist Islamic thought and anger – look what just happened in Turkey's election. And the cost to the western world to occupy Iraq, which it will have to do to avoid the creation of an Iraqi equivalent to Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, will not be made up for by the war spoils of cheap oil. So, financially it doesn't make sense either.

I find it odd. In Russia, since the Moscow theatre incident, there is a growing concern amongst the proletariat that Russia should pull out of Chechnya because it almost begs for more terrorist attacks of a similar nature. The people don't want that. Yet, Putin turns into a cowboy just like King George II. But the Russian people seem to understand the situation more than the American couch potato armchair generals who beat their chests and feign patriotic bravery. Too bad these Monday night football warriors can't connect the dots.

And, I'm sure there will be a chuckle and a knee slap given in Israel for each American body bag that comes home. Sharon will be happy.

God help America.

~ Jack D.

Bin Laden is Alive

Your cover had Bin Laden's photo with "It's Him" and "Bin Laden is Alive" in big letters. Why does this not seem to be antiwar but rather pro-Al Qaeda? Isn't Al Qaeda's war against the West also war? Such hypocritical glee about a mass murderer delegitimizes everything else you have to say. What a shame.

~ DG

Managing Editor Eric Garris replies:

We are very anti-terrorist. The "It's Him," is the exact quote from the NBC News headline of the story we linked to. The whole point of our lead editorial is that we should go after al-Qaeda rather than focus on Iraq. I don't see how quoting a CIA source ("It's Him!") is glee. It is reality. Open your eyes and read beyond the top headline.

Atropine

If Iraq does not have nerve gas why would they need 1.25 million doses of atropine?

~ C. O'Brien

Managing Editor Eric Garris replies:

To protect them from our nerve gas? But since they made the request to the UN for purchase, they were more likely just trying to scare people. Apparently, from your letter, it worked.

Veterans' Sacrifice

Regarding "Honoring Our Military Veterans" by Rep. Ron Paul:

I wanted to comment on your article and I agree that our country does not really recognize our active military and veterans like we should. I was a Coast Guard brat, and was married one time to a man in the Air Force and now presently have a daughter in the Air Force. I also have a brother that is a firefighter in the state of Florida. We still have Sept 11th hurting in our hearts, but I hope that our country will continue to realize how many military members and public service people are risking their lives everyday. No matter what rank or branch of service, they are all so very special and important. The many lives that were taken on Sept 11 will always be important. I remember the Vietnam war and my grandfather was one of the first Navy seals, also known as Scouts and Raiders in World War II. He only served 3 years, but he has continued to this day to contribute to the memory of all that have served our country and ones who have given their lives for our country. I agree that our veterans have not been treated like they should have been and its up to us to make sure this never happens again. It is so easy to fall back into our lives and forget the ones who have really given everything to represent our wonderful country. I can't say enough for all that have sacrificed their all for us.

~ Cindy I.

Cyprus

Congratulations on your site. In my humble opinion, I would like to see articles and editorials about the Cyprus issue on your site. It is on the forefront again in Europe and it says a lot about geopolitical dynamics in the region....

~ Maria F., Greece