The `High Stakes' for Surviving in Bosnia

The Opinion page article "High Stakes in Bosnia for Clinton and Bush," Nov. 9, leaves me with disbelief that there are estimates of a million deaths of people perpetrated by the cruel, merciless ethnic cleansing waged by Serbia and Croatia; and yet no one in a position to take action seems willing to prevent this horrendous genocide - neither the United States, the United Nations, nor neighboring countries.

"Ethnic cleansing" must be outlawed and prevented through use of force, if necessary. Sooner or later, civilized nations, through the UN, must be prepared to cross national boundaries to restrain and remove tyrants such as Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic, to prevent the suffering, displacement, and slaughtering of innocent lives.

When human rights are violated, and especially when accompanied by bloodshed, national sovereignty must be temporarily set aside to prevent or end such atrocities. Tyranny foisted on human lives can be made obsolete by international law and order backed by force under the proposed new world order.

Even one killing of the millions of deaths estimated must not happen. Charles F. Rasoli, Long Island City, N.Y. The expression `Muhammedan'

The otherwise excellent Home Forum page article "The Legacy of Islamic Spain," Nov. 2, demands clarification in terminology. The followers of Islam should be referred to as Muslims; that is, "one who submit's to God's will." The expression "Muhammedan," coined in Medieval Christian Europe with its veneration of Jesus, Mary, and the saints, refers to "the followers of Muhammed," suggesting that the great leader is worshiped as Christians venerate Jesus.

Although Muhammed is honored as God's last messenger, he is no more than the last prophet in a line of revered men: Jesus, Moses, Noah, and Abraham. Therefore, using the word Muhammedan is incorrect. Anne Marie Weiss-Armush, Dallas