Embassy Bombings

Re “Bombs Rock 2 U.S. Embassies,” Aug. 8: In light of the tragedies that occurred in Kenya and Tanzania and resulted in scores of deaths and millions of dollars in damage, the United States must offer generous and speedy financial support to both nations. Among the innocent lives lost were many Kenyans and Tanzanians, citizens whose loss of life will have an immediate and devastating effect upon the family members they left behind.

An issue we must not lose sight of in our response to the crisis is the degree of poverty in both nations, although both are among Africa’s wealthiest. More than any emotional pain caused by their deaths is the financial burden imposed on their families from the loss of income and from the immediate burden of hospital bills and burial costs.

While our priorities must include identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the terrorist attacks, we also must focus our attention and resources upon helping to rebuild both nations rocked emotionally and financially by bombs that targeted U.S. interests.

DEE ANNA S. BEHLE

Placentia

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What happened to U.S. intelligence prowess? We’re spending more money and effort on finding out how many times Monica Lewinsky had sex with President Clinton but ignoring terrorist activity in Africa or nuclear testing in India?

ENRICO G. EUGENIO

Monrovia

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Is the United States not the world’s largest supplier of arms to foreign countries, frequently selling or donating those arms to destabilize existing governments? Does this not engender immense contempt, resentment and hatred for our country and its policies, and unfortunately, even its citizens? Is it not then quite logical that our embassies become ideal sites for demonstrations of such feelings? Live by the sword, die by the sword?

RALPH LONG

Newport Beach