To the editor:

The Bush White House and talking heads like William Saffire are working feverishly to set the stage for a pre-emptive strike on Iraq, against the advice of key military leaders, many Republicans (including the hawkish Dick Armey of Texas) and the State Department.

Without strong support from our allies, without a clear mission and with tensions running high around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, events in the region could easily spin out of control.

Another flashpoint is Iran. Despite its rivalry with Iraq, Iran feels threatened by a U.S. strike on Baghdad. Its leaders have said they would not stand idly by. Even if we win one war, we may find ourselves fighting another. Why isn’t President Bush listening to the people in his administration who have real military experience in the region, like his joint chiefs of staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell?

In Afghanistan, the northern alliance provided the nuts and bolts of the offensive, but in Iraq no equivalent indigenous force exists, meaning Americans would suffer much heavier casualties. Saddam would no doubt unleash every weapon in his arsenal (including chemical weapons) and would most likely attempt to draw Israel into the conflict Israel has promised to attack if provoked, unlike the Gulf War. What’s more, the loss of life might be in vain, since there is no viable successor for Saddam.

I’m sure Americans don’t want to see our troops occupying Iraq until stability can be brought to the region. President Bush should listen to his generals and do his homework when deciding how to deal with Saddam Hussein in the coming months.

Jason Wesco,

Perry