Letters: October 12, 2009

'After Iran Gets the bomb'
As long as Fareed Zakaria and others exhort us toward nuclear deterrence rather than prevention, the message to Iran and its supporters is our acquiescence.
Jack Eisenberg Baltimore, Md.

The world may not end if Iran gets the bomb, but it would surely be changed irrevocably for the worse. It is the ultimate geopolitical nightmare: the world's worst weapon in the hands of a radical, revolutionary, religious regime reaching for regional hegemony, possibly even apocalyptic glory. That must not be accepted either complacently or fatalistically.
Richard D. Wilkins Syracuse, N.Y.

If Iran gets the nuclear bomb, it would be the end of Israel. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has declared that Israel should be destroyed. Iran is the largest Shia country in the world, and Shias believe that the world will witness the emergence of another mahdi who will lead Islam to victory. Should Ahmadinejad believe that Allah has chosen him as the next mahdi, a bomb in Iran's hand could lead to World War III.
S. Raghunatha Prabhu Alappuzha, India

The solution to the current "Iran problem" is to demand that Israel allow international inspections of its nuclear program, dismantle its nuclear bombs, and agree to a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. If not, it is only a matter of time until some other country in the region wants to produce nuclear bombs, too.
Gregg Smith Keizer, Ore.

While Fareed Zakaria and Henry Kissinger ("Deployments and Diplomacy") anguish over the next steps with Iran, they miss one overriding fact: demography. Iran, with the blessing of the religious leaders, has seen average family size plummet from six to two in record time. By 2025 Iran will have 7 percent fewer men in the volatile 15-to-30 age group than today, and the country is likely to become increasingly stable and democratic. By 2025 Pakistan will have 68 percent more men 15 to 30, most likely poorly educated and largely unemployed. Stop obsessing over Iran and start worrying about Pakistan, which already has atomic weapons.
Malcolm Potts School of Public Health University of California, Berkeley

Iran will become more dangerous only if it has nuclear-weapons capability. Hizbullah, one of the biggest killers of Americans next to Al Qaeda, will have a nuclear umbrella. While it is easy to argue we can't afford to attack Iran, the better question is, can the U.S. afford not to attack Iran?
Bradley Gewirtz New York, N.Y.

After Iran gets the bomb, it won't be the end of the world—unless you are within missile range. The current regime cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. When the people of Iran are able to elect a government more to the middle, instead of being force-fed the extreme right, the dynamics of the discussion will change.
Julio Batista Hackensack, N.J.

'Leaf Me Alone'
My sympathy to Raina Kelley for her bitter feelings toward nonnative New Englanders. We in New Hampshire glory in the fabulous fall colors—and welcome those who come to enjoy them. As for the maple sugar (not syrup) candy, it's delicious! Maybe her part of Connecticut is missing all the beauty and friendliness we have up here. I'll save her a pumpkin.
Charlotte Hill Silver Lake, N.H.

'Ignoring the Evidence'
The assertions by Sharon Begley that many psychologists are not trained in, nor do they use, evidence-based practices are not only untrue, but may also discourage the 57 million Americans with a mental-health disorder from seeking needed treatment. The American Psychological Association ethics code dictates that psychologists base their clinical judgments on scientific and professional knowledge. The APA's policy on evidence-based psychological practices mirrors the Institute of Medicine's definition as "the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values." Clinical guidelines for physicians recognize the psychotherapy we provide as an effective first-line treatment for depression due to a substantial body of supporting research. These guidelines reflect what millions of Americans have experienced: psychotherapy works!
Katherine C. Nordal, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Professional Practice American Psychological Association Washington, D.C.

'Mcchrystal's War'
Although the government of Canada has indicated it will pull out its combat troops from Afghanistan in 2011, Canadian troops remain fully committed until then conducting security operations and mentoring and partnering with Afghan security forces. And contrary to what your Oct. 5 article states, Canada has no restriction on the employment of its ground troops, nor has it issued any restriction on the employment of Canadian helicopters and crews providing support to combat missions operating in Regional Command South.
Lt. Col. Christian Lemay
Chief Public Affairs Adviser Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Ottawa, Canada