NEWSWEEK, your special report on Kosovo “A Tragic Exodus… And No Exit” examined all the NATO options except the one that would deny Slobodan Milosevic yet another chance to inflict his atrocities on helpless civilians (“The Nightmare,” April 12). The long-term solution would be an invasion of Serbia from an independent Kosovo, Hungary and Albania and a near-total destruction of the Yugoslav Army. Milosevic and his men should face a Nuremberg-type trial for suspected crimes against humanity. The Serbs should pay for the reconstruction of Kosovo. This would make the next potential Milosevic think twice before waging war on helpless civilians. Aaron Sternfield Morges, Switzerland
I just finished reading your report “The Nightmare,” as well as the other newsweeklies. NEWSWEEK’s coverage was balanced, comprehensive and insightful. I am going to buy 10 more copies to give to people with whom I discuss world politics, who mistakenly think they can be informed by scanning TV sound-bite news or today’s headlines. Keep up the good work. Kevin King Cape Elizabeth, Maine
How can a destroyed Serbia contribute to stability in Europe? Not only is bombing nonmilitary targets wrecking what little remains of Yugoslavia’s near-bankrupt economy–it is also weakening the democratic opposition to Milosevic. George Tintor London, England
As a Holocaust survivor, I certainly understand the real meaning of “ethnic cleansing.” I know from personal experience what it is to be a refugee and how it feels when bombs fall from the sky. I also remember the heroic struggle of the Serbs against Nazi Germany. I am passionately convinced that the NATO war against Serbia is terribly wrong. It is wrong to take sides in a civil war that we do not understand. It is wrong to attack a sovereign country that does not threaten us. It is wrong to take actions that make the situation worse, cause more suffering and destruction, kill innocent people and portray our once great country as a ruthless aggressor. Miklos N. Szilagyi Tucson, Arizona
Three Americans have been taken prisoners of war, and we are supposed to feel sorry about it (""). What about all the hundreds of thousands of people who are being rendered homeless and being killed in this war? This war is turning out to be the horror of the century. Deepika Shetty Singapore
On reading “,” I can’t help but remember that during the cold war, Russia was prepared to invade Yugoslavia in order to enforce its own brand of communism on the Serbs along with other Yugoslavs and possibly enforce atheism on the very Christian Orthodox Serbs. Of course, Russia’s “rage” is only rhetoric. The Russians are anything when it suits them. One minute they are communists, then capitalists, then democrats, then fascists, then staunch Orthodox Christians–even “pro-Muslim” when the United States bombs Iraq, but “anti-Muslim” when the Serbs attack Muslims and the West resolves to protect them. C. J. Hartley London, England
Sept. 1, 1939
In criticizing President Clinton’s statement that both World War I and World War II began in the Balkans, Jonathan Alter has written, “World War II started over Czechoslovakia” ("," Opinion, April 12). It is true that the Munich Pact (which gave Nazi Germany the Sudetenland but guaranteed the sovereignty of the rest of Czechoslovakia) and the Nazis’ subsequent violation of the accord constituted one of the causes of WWII. But it must be acknowledged that the clash most directly responsible for triggering the war was Germany’s invasion of Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, prompting Britain and France to declare war. Masahiro Yamamoto Ashland, Virginia
An ‘Us versus Them’ Rift
I was appalled by your article "" (Special Report, April 12). Rod Nordland justifies an intensified NATO campaign in Kosovo with verbal tactics identical to those of “ethnic cleansing.” If Serbs are a “race” devoted to a myth of victimization and spiteful revenge, then we’re free to consider them as subhuman and deserving of anything NATO can hand out. Attempting to explain the Serbs’ actions–admittedly outrageous and devious–by national or racial traits is a dead end. It diverts our attention from the real sources in history, economics and the international arms trade, in which NATO countries are fully complicit. And it allows us to gloss over our mistakes in entrusting Milosevic to guarantee the last peace agreement, which made it impossible for the democratic opposition to dislodge him. Kathleen Kessler-Shepherd Cambridge, England
I work as a Peace Corps volunteer near the Russian border. I’m questioned daily about Yugoslavia, based upon the Russian media slant: Americans as invaders of a sovereign nation. NEWSWEEK has done an adequate job of reporting America’s stance. However, “Vengeance of a Victim Race” was written in a bias tone similar to the Russian campaign. It did not separate the Serbian government from the world, but rather the Serbian people–making them out to be bloodthirsty barbarians bent on revenge. It created an “us versus them” rift among your readers and was no less than an American version of propaganda. We will never achieve peace if we point fingers and express moral superiority. Ian Miller Rudnyy, Kazakhstan
I’ve never read such a one-sided article. Expressions such as “Serbs are expert haters” who are raised on “self-pity” have no place in an objective analysis in an international magazine. The statement that the Serbs “invented the term ’ethnic cleansing’ when they were kicking Croats out of Croatia” conveniently overlooks the fact that the Croatian government also evicted more than 300,000 Serbs from Krajina, a Croatian land inhabited by Serbs for centuries. The circumstances were similar to today’s expulsions in Kosovo, yet there was no coverage, no criticism, no outrage. I’m sure this statement will also come as a surprise to the descendants of the Native Americans who were systematically and violently pushed off their land and confined to reservations. Ritsa A. Panagiotou Athens, Greece
The Genocide Debate
I appreciated Elie Wiesel’s explanation of what genocide is and his concerns about the Kosovars’ being equated to the Jews during the Holocaust ("," World View, April 12). Certainly, what is going on in Yugoslavia is a moral outrage, and it’s wrong for the international community to sit back and allow it to happen without confronting Slobodan Milosevic. I do, however, have one devil’s advocate question: would Wiesel use stronger words if this “ethnic cleansing” were happening to Jews instead of Muslims? Kevin Niehoff Rome, Italy
Elie Wiesel’s analysis of the Kosovo situation was an excellent appraisal of what is happening. Whether or not this can be described as genocide, NATO had just cause to intervene. Crimes were, and still are, being committed against an ethnic group. No dictator or government has the right to “ethnically cleanse” a people from its territory. If a government won’t protect and represent its own people, then what hope is there? We must stop Milosevic in his tracks, and that is exactly what NATO is trying to do. Alexandra Cooney London, England
There has been so much publicity (and rightly so) about the Holocaust that sometimes it may be the only point of reference people can identify with. There is no “grade” to killings and horrors. The horrors of World Wars I and II, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and too many other tragedies are equally evil. Karenina Ariff Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I was extremely disappointed in reading the article “The Question of Genocide.” Why is this not considered a holocaust or a genocide? Aren’t the suffering, rape and mass killing of Muslims proof enough? As Wiesel writes in the article, “Genocide is the intent and the desire to annihilate a people.” If what is happening to the Albanian Kosovars isn’t just that–then what would you call it, Wiesel? Qurat Hassan Lahore, Pakistan
Elie Wiesel’s point that genocide is not the correct term for Serbian atrocities in Croatia, Bosnia and now Kosovo is well taken. But he should not have used the alternative expression “ethnic cleansing,” even in quotation marks. Why adopt the persecutor’s euphemism for what in reality is a massive pogrom? J. Huston McCulloch Columbus, Ohio
Under NATO’s Umbrella
The attitude of the commander of Hungary’s armed forces, Gen. Ferenc Vegh, is all too typical of many NATO members ("," Interview, April 12). On being asked if Hungary would assist if NATO decides to send ground troops into Kosovo, Vegh says no, “because it would not be in the Hungarian national interest.” In whose national interest does he think it is? Far too many NATO members want all the benefits while letting others, usually the British, Americans and a few more, do the dirty work. It’s at times like this that we know who can be depended upon. After this, perhaps NATO will be more selective about whom it lets shelter under the NATO umbrella. Jack McKeown Belfast, Northern Ireland
Bomb-Blast Lawsuits
Greedy American lawyers should stop misleading the victims of the 1998 bomb blast at the American Embassy in Nairobi by telling them they are entitled to become millionaires overnight ("," World Affairs, April 12). This was a tragedy that only terrorists were responsible for. Why don’t these lawyers tell the victims to sue Osama bin Laden instead? For the record, the U.S. government has given more than $40 million to the Kenyan government to help the victims of the bomb blast. David Kashangaki Nairobi, Kenya
What is the world coming to? Kenyans suing the U.S. government for damages in connection with the embassy bombing in Nairobi? The real victims were the Americans, who were targets of a vicious and brutal act of terrorism by Osama bin Laden. The Kenyans should be a little more grateful for what they are already getting. Let them try to sue bin Laden instead and see what they can get out of that. Henryk von Babenberg Hamburg, Germany
The U.S. State Separtment’s failure to act on Ambassador Prudence Bushnell’s security concern greatly contributed to the bombing disaster at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. Would the State Department have procrastinated if a similar warning had been made by an ambassador stationed in a Western country? Compensation can never replace lost lives, shattered dreams or lost body parts. But it will enable the survivors to regain a degree of calm in their lives and at the same time make Capitol Hill formulate a more coherent foreign policy. Kamau Mbuimwe Nairobi, Kenya
East Meets West
You write that Zhu Rongji pledged to be honest about recent disputes between the United States and China and promised to “tell the truth” to the Americans ("," Asia, April 12). The quotation marks imply that this was some special Chinese version of the truth that you assume isn’t veritable. It seems like no matter what China says or does, the American press is automatically suspicious of Chinese motives. I am not defending the Chinese government’s abuses. But instead of looking for an adversary to write dramatic articles about, I wish you would help foster understanding and mutual trust between the East and the West. Andrew Smart Lund, Sweden
Guarding China’s Borders
Thanks a lot for the wonderful inside story “,” on Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji’s crackdown on smuggling at the border between Hong Kong and mainland China (Asia, April 12). Even cheese for McDonald’s burgers is not spared. I thought it was only India that excelled in such corrupt practices. Illegal imports like these are among the factors that contributed to economic recessions throughout the world. Piyush Saxena Mumbai (Bombay), India
Beyond Money and Power
The real “Next China Battle” won’t deal with trade and exports of high-performance computers, but with human rights ("," News of the Week, March 15). The greed of American businesses and the moral bankruptcy of the Clinton administration continue while people in China suffer. No action is taken because the stealth lobbyists of communist China gave thousands of dollars to Clinton’s 1996 re-election campaign. The message is that only money and power matter. Keith W. Brown Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Crime and Punishment
Did I correctly read your article on the Melissa virus ("," Society & The Arts, April 12)– David Smith’s e-mail virus did not erase any personal data, but they’re still prosecuting him? He’s facing 40 years in prison and a $480,000 fine for inconveniencing people for a couple of days by delaying their e-mail. They should let him go. At most, he should have to pay for the cleanup. If the Feds are going to prosecute this chain e-mail, then I demand punishment for the guy who promised me a new love if I forwarded his “rubber ducky” e-mail to 20 friends. Gordon Wittick Houston, Texas
Seeing the World as It Is
I read your article “,” about the Baltimore Orioles’ being the first professional American team to play in Cuba since 1959, on the terrace of the Ambos Mundos Hotel in Havana after a truly fascinating fortnight’s holiday in Cuba (World Affairs, April 12). My initial conclusion was that the article was partisan U.S. drivel by somebody it seemed had barely set foot outside his hotel. Then I read an article in Granma, the Cuban state paper, on the NATO attack on Yugoslavia. Your reporter had met his match: this was partisan Cuban drivel by somebody who had no idea of European politics and the narrow, destructive nationalism that has fueled this conflagration. Somebody needs to bang a few Cuban and U.S. heads together to see the world as it is–a place where countries do not have enemies anymore but risks and dangers that need to be managed. Carl Lee Sheffield, England
Italy’s Man
The president-elect of the European Commission, former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi, has been chosen because of his indisputable political knowledge as well as his economic skills ("," Periscope, April 5). Prodi has previously helped an entire country in joining the EU. But now he faces a more difficult and complex task, given the wider role that his post implies. Only time will show if Prodi has been the right choice. One thing is certain, however: most Italians are proud of this man who, as you said, “has been credited with polishing his country’s international image.” Giulio Cicconi Teramo, Italy
A Portrayal of Jesus Christ
I’d like to send sincere thanks and compliments to those who, together with Kenneth L. Woodward and Anne Underwood, put together the fine and accurate portrayal "" (Society & The Arts, April 5). With today’s media it was refreshing to see someone getting to the core of truth–writing about him who declared “I am the truth…” Thanks, NEWSWEEK. Edmund Rasmussen Islamabad, Pakistan
In 10 years of collecting and collating articles on Biblical subjects, your article on Jesus is far and away the best I’ve ever seen. The writer’s willingness to address the subjects fairly and to address the issue of Jesus’ claims to be God are outstanding. John Treat Redvale, Colorado
Jesus said: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Buddha said: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful” (Udana-Varga 5:18). These injunctions are identical. Yet Woodward appears to slight Buddhism by saying that “where the Buddha taught compassion as an attitude of the Enlightened, Jesus demanded deeds.” Since thought must always precede action, I fail to see the difference. Anybody studying the Buddhist Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path will find nothing there that is incompatible with the teachings of Christ. C. S. Guest Bristol, England
Your article emphasized the historical aspect of Christianity. Living in an Asian culture, I would like to add another perspective. Imagine a society where man is not an image of God and the dignity of the individual depends on his power and wealth. Imagine truth belonging only to powerful and influential people. Imagine a society where forgiveness is a weakness. These are still the conditions in many countries. What the United States and Western Europe have become are results of living out the very basic doctrines of Christianity. Don’t shrug off Christianity and elope with secularism. It is your religion’s greatness that has been slowly influencing the world for the better. George Chua Singapore
Deadly Business in Thailand
As a new resident of Bangkok, I appreciate your article on the killing of the Australian accountant Michael Wansley north of Bangkok ("," Asia, March 29). However, I fail to understand why he “bullheadedly” went about his business in dealing with the Thai sugar-mill owners. An accountant should be attempting to balance disagreements rather than upsetting things, as he did. Wansley lacked the sensitivity necessary to deal with the Thai owners who were in debt. Gerry Forbes Bangkok, Thailand
To suggest that Michael Wansley’s death could be attributed to his so-called “tough professional” attitude, and that he paid the ultimate price for his “digging,” distorts the truth and trivializes his death. There was, and still is, no justification for Wansley’s murder. I was privileged to know Wansley, having worked on similar assignments in Thailand. Michael was a wonderful ambassador for his firm and country, both in his professional and charitable pursuits. He should be remembered as such. Ralph McHenry Melbourne, Australia
A Plea for Latin America
I’d like to commend Jorge G. Castaneda for his cogent plea for an end to the backward U.S. foreign policy in Latin America ("," World View, March 15). It’s ironic that while America is pressuring nations to conform to its drug policy, it adopts unilateral sanctions to punish other legal enterprises (WTO, bananas). While countless nations buck under this undue pressure, what makes the United States so naive as to think that struggling Third World countries would not opt for illicit production and transshipment? Brian D. Hanley Kingston, Jamaica
