`Holding' the Golan Heights

I was dismayed by the author's reference to the Golan Heights in the article "Arabs Watch Intently as Israel Shapes Policy," July 17, as being territories "held by Syria until 1967." This statement is ambiguous and misleading at best. It gives the impression that the Heights were "terra nullis" held by Syria, and not what they really are, a part and parcel of Syria, unlawfully annexed by Israel in 1981. Such a misrepresentation is akin to stating, for instance, that in 1940 Paris, until then held by Fran ce, was occupied by the Nazis in the course of World War II. Omar Altaher, Miami

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.