War

By punishing Iran for its nuclear research and development, U.S. and European sanctions only give incentive to Iran to double-down on the program ("U.S. sees Iran sanctions bite," Jan. 8). That's because the whole purpose of nuclear capability is to protect against outside influence in Iranian affairs which the sanctions represent. The logic of sanctions as a deterrent is flawed. Let's be clear: If Iranian nuclear capability is the trip-wire for U.S. war against Iran, then the current and planned sanctions against Iran are best understood as a prelude to war - one of the many incremental steps necessary for hostilities to develop - not as a deterrent to war, which is the ostensible claim.

In light of Christina Aguilera's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl, may I suggest the governor invite her to perform where the poem was inspired — at Fort McHenry during the July 4th celebration (if she is available). Or even better, next year will mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 (even though the poem was written in 1814). The governor is looking for revenue. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Nancy Golub

I believe it is sheer folly to speculate on whether or not there was any intention of capturing Osama bin Laden. There most certainly was not. We are at war, and in war the mission of our military is to destroy the enemy. This was done in by the Navy SEALs in a brilliantly planned and executed operation under the authority of President Obama. Hopefully, remaining terrorist leaders will be rooted out and executed in a similar fashion. There is no room for half measures in war. He who kills the most and the most often will be victorious, particularly when fighting an insurgency of other non-nation foes.

So misunderstood is the historical context of the War of 1812 that Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture has become something of a standard at American concerts of patriotic music. Actually, it was written by the Russian composer in honor of his people having turned back Napoleon's army in the winter of 1812, which is why a few hurried bars of the French anthem, "La Marseillaise," can be heard in the lead-up to the part that was written for accompaniment by cannon, but goes so well with fireworks.

John G. Edgemere's letter criticizing Rick Santorum for opposing abortion while being hawkish about the military is ridiculous ("Santorum's moral relativism should do well in S. Carolina," Jan. 17). If it's a matter of hypocrisy, then those who oppose war and the death penalty while championing the right to abort a fetus are just as hypocritical. There are only two "pure" stances one can take on these issues: Either one is pro-abortion, pro-death penalty and accepts the necessity of some wars, or one is against all of them.

The Sun notes that the "the FBI had discovered between 20,000 and 30,000 'potentially inappropriate' e-mails between [Jill] Kelley and General John R. Allen" ("Pieces of a puzzle," Nov. 14). Who was running the war in Afghanistan? This commander, obviously, did not have the time. Madeline K. Brengle, Parkville

The poison seeps slowly into the future. No one notices. "The Obama administration," the Wall Street Journal informs us, "plans to arm Italy's fleet of Reaper drone aircraft, a move that could open the door for sales of advanced hunter-killer drone technology to other allies... " I can't quite get beyond the name: Reaper drones? "The Predator's manufacturer, General Atomics, later developed the larger Reaper," John Sifton wrote last February in The Nation, "a moniker implying that the United States was fate itself, cutting down enemies who were destined to die. That the drones' payloads were called Hellfire missiles, invoking the punishment of the afterlife, added to a sense of righteousness.

Maryland will help sponsor eight festivals this year commemorating the War of 1812, an effort officials hope will boost tourism and economic development. The state would put up $2.1 million in matching grants to various non-profits for 23 War of 1812 projects, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Dominick Murray announced Wednesday. About $400,000 will help pay for the festivals, which run from late April through September and most of which are in rural areas, except for one in September, called "Star-Spangled Banner Weekend" in Baltimore.

Hours after Islamic guerrillas occupied the capital city of Afghanistan, a new war erupted yesterday between the victorious rebel factions. All day, rival rebel groups filled the virtually empty streets of Kabul with the thunder of tanks, rockets and rifle fire. As dusk fell, the city remained without any apparent leadership.

Allied sorties9/Over 67,000 missions flown since start of war.Losses* Twelve Americans killed in action; 25 Americans listed as non-combat deaths. Additional 105 Americans listed as non-combat deaths before war started.* 47 MIAs, including 28 Americans; 12 POWs, including eight Americans.* 30 allied planes lost, 23 in combat, including 15 American. Six American helicopters lost due to non-hostile causes.* 139 Iraqi planes destroyed.* More than 1,000 Iraqi POWs.Iraqi claims2(* More than 180 allied aircraft downed.