Letters

India's US-like demands on Pakistan justified

"A crucial US role in India-Pakistan feud" (Dec. 31) clearly outlines the danger of further escalation in India-Pakistan tensions. It also clearly emphasizes Pakistan's role in support of terrorism in the past. It is important to note that India's diplomatic initiative has gone on for years despite the fact that the recent murderous attack on India's Parliament is just one of many such acts. India is asking Pakistan for one remedy: clamping down on all terrorist groups and sending those responsible for recent attacks to India for trial. This is no different from what the US has asked of Pakistan in the war in Afghanistan. India has been controlling its "justifiable anger" for years, but now has no other options unless Pakistan does its part.

Mihir Meghani

Fremont, Calif.

Why does the West urge restraint upon India when it has, and continues to, suffer from the same brand of terrorism that triggered the armed response from the West? Pakistan continues to support men who are for all intents and purposes the clones of Osama bin Laden. The West, if it is genuine in its concerns about terrorism, needs to support India in its efforts to rein in Pakistani extremists. If it doesn't, it will only confirm what most Indians feel - that double standards apply and that the same flawed policies that gave birth to the Taliban and Al Qaeda will cripple the present "war against terror." Let's not forget that people who supported and armed the Taliban and sheltered and applauded Al Qaeda still walk the corridors of power in Pakistan.

Hashim Tyabji

Hyderabad, India

I felt compelled to respond to "A 'woman shortage'? Reports shift men's views on dating" (Dec. 27), which stated "Match.com found that 30 percent of women said a firefighter was 'the most eligible and desirable date,' followed by a teacher at 24 percent, and a CEO at 21 percent." In today's society shouldn't people be dating a person rather than a profession?

In "Homeland and Hemisphere" (Dec. 20, Opinion), Joseph R. Nuñez addressed the need for a new Defense Department command to oversee the United States homeland and hemispheric security.

Looking at the issue from a Pentagon perspective presents an incomplete solution. The security of the US, Canada, and Mexico isn't challenged solely by military threats from hostile countries. Increasingly, they face a terrorist and organized-crime threat, which is civilian in nature and originates internally and externally.

The Defense Department doesn't have the lead role for border security. This responsibility lies principally with the Coast Guard, Customs Service, Border Patrol, and INS. Any new homeland security must include them in lead roles.

Bruce Stubbs

Fairfax Station, Va.

"Who's the champ? Bowl game may not tell" (Dec. 28) quotes supposed college fan Charles Lavoie as saying, "If Nebraska wins, it will be so unfair." I disagree. If Nebraska wins, and that is a big if, it will confirm the truth that on any given day a good football team can defeat any other good football team. No team is invincible. Colorado has a good program. Nebraska has a good program. Oklahoma has a good program. You can't prove anything by comparative scores. That's why they play the games. If Nebraska defeats the only undefeated major college team, they deserve the national championship. Let the bowl begin! Enjoy the battle!

Michael Hines

North Canton, Ohio

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