No room for criticism
We are certainly in no reasonable position to criticize Russia. The Russia-Syria alliance long pre-dates the current civil war. Russia has plainly stated destruction of the Syrian government adds further disaster in the region. For those who doubt, consider Iraq after the United States militarily destroyed its government in 2003.
The war against the government of Syria is supported by the United States and Israel, at least. ISIS is also trying to overthrow the government. This effectively puts the U.S., Israel and ISIS in uneasy combination against Syria. Allies of the Syrian government include Iraq, Iran and Russia, who justifiably fear the result of overthrow of Syrian government, whatever its faults.
In a recent News Hour broadcast on PBS, the chief foreign correspondent said the U.S. was spending $4 billion annually in Syria, presumably in support of groups – other than ISIS — trying to overthrow the government. This morning’s Democrat-Gazette said the US and its allies have launched 7000 airstrikes in Syria. Do you suppose 7000 airstrikes may be contributing to the refugee crisis? The paper also said Israel is bombing Syrian government targets. Israel’s involvement against Syria dates at least to the 1967 war, in which Israel seized 700 square miles of Syrian territory in the Golan Heights, and continues to occupy it, more poison in the well of Israel and its neighbors. US intervention in Syria lacks wisdom and moral authority required for success. It would be well for us all in the US to remember what late Arkansas US Senator J. William Fulbright termed an “Arrogance of Power.” Time will tell if Russia does better.
JOE NEAL Fayetteville
Kudos to church, rally
On behalf of the students, parents and teachers of Washington Elementary School, I would like to thank the kind and generous souls of Central United Methodist Church for allowing the Washington Parent Teacher Organization to use their mighty parking garage on Lafayette Street in Fayetteville as a fundraiser during Bikes, Blues & BBQ.
Washington is Fayetteville’s oldest elementary school, founded in 1886, and thanks to taxpayers, the Fayetteville School District and with PTO fundraising, our beautiful and historic campus is a high-tech hive of learning and fun in downtown Fayetteville.
I would also like to thank the organizers and patrons of Bikes, Blues & BBQ for their hard work and support.
Northwest Arkansas is a wonderful place to live, work, play and learn!
ROLF WILKIN Fayetteville President, Washington Elementary School PTO