The Kurdish Cause
As a Turk who happily grew up with both Kurds and Turks in school and on the street, my heart goes out to the demonstrators I saw on TV (“A Kurdish Inferno,” Europe, March 1). We are essentially brothers and sisters who have lived together for hundreds of years. Abdullah Ocalan fights the Turkish military, but he also supports the Turkish football team–we are thus deeply interconnected on a human basis. Had Ocalan really cared about his people and not about power, he would not have sent thousands of young people to die against the second largest army in NATO. Having lost most of our territory after the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish Republic is extremely sensitive about keeping its borders intact. Both Kurds and Turks have lost too many lives in this terrible war. It is time to find a way to end all this meaningless infighting between brothers and sisters.
Elif Koksal-Kendrick Katmandu, Nepal
The PKK committed widespread abuses as part of its terrorism against the Turkish government and civilians–mostly Kurds. PKK terrorists killed noncombatants, targeting village officials, village guards, teachers and other perceived representatives of the state. These terrorists also committed random killings in tourist areas in their efforts to intimidate the populace. The government, human-rights organizations and the media have reported that the PKK routinely kidnaps young men or threatens their families as part of its recruiting effort.
Ugur Erguven Ankara, Turkey
An EU state, Greece is caught with blood on its hands. The Greek government’s involvement is beyond any doubt: for Ocalan, leader of a terrorist group, it has fabricated a passport, provided transport and shelter, and permitted him to continue his terrorist activities. And yet we have not heard of any inquiry, investigation or criticism of Athens from European governments. Does the EU allow criminal activities without punishment?
Turgay M. Ergene Balearic Islands, Spain
Through its requests for the extradition of Ocalan and its condemnation of the Kurds’ fight for independence as a violent one, Turkey has been trying to do away with international sympathy for the Kurds. Now it appears to have succeeded. Greece, an EU state, was responsible for upholding the verdict in favor of Ocalan passed by Italy, another EU nation. This would have allowed Ocalan to avoid arrest and possibly the death penalty in Turkey. Now it is likely that more and more Kurds will be poised to follow Ocalan’s example, especially if he is executed and becomes a martyr. We will all pay a dear price for this “betrayal” of the Kurdish cause.
Bernard J. Henry Garches, France
We must clearly distinguish between the cultural rights of Kurdish people in Turkey and the terrorist activities of the PKK. No reason whatever can justify the killing of 30,000 people.
Sinan Arslanturk Yalova, Turkey
European countries are asking Turkey to give Ocalan a fair trial. But Turkey has lost almost all lawsuits in the European Human Rights Court so far. How can anyone believe that, with the present Turkish Constitution and legal system, a fair trial is possible?
H. Serhad Murad Manchester, England
The Kurds are without doubt one of the largest ethnic groups within a country–and a country was promised to them in the aftermath of WWI. Much of the driving force behind these moves was prompted by President Woodrow Wilson. The Treaty of Sevres from August 1920 would have given the Kurds their homeland in the Zagros Mountains area between Turkey, Iran and Iraq. This treaty was overruled three years later at Lausanne. Sadly, Britain, Turkey, Italy and France were signatories to this little bit of treachery, which denied both Armenia and Kurdistan their statehood.
James R. Hepburn Argyllshire, England
There is no such thing as a fair trial for Ocalan. He has already been condemned, and if the Turkish government is stupid enough to execute him, it will really spark a civil war in Turkey. This will, of course, eliminate any hope Turkey may have of joining the EU.
Rene Gardea Prague, Czech Republic
If Europeans believe that Ocalan will get an unfair trial in Turkey, why didn’t they put him on trial when they had the chance? Instead of giving him a fair trial, Italy ignored an international treaty against terrorism and allowed him to leave the country. The claims about this trial are baseless. Europeans don’t believe in a “Kurdish cause,” they just need another tool to manipulate Turkey.
M. Cem Karabuda Istanbul, Turkey
Ocalan is a murderer. He will get his punishment, both from the Turkish judiciary and from God.
Tansu Hattatoglu Istanbul, TurkeyCountdown to a Classic
Thanks for your article on the heated state of “Star Wars” geekdom ( Society & The Arts, March 1). I’m 24 years old, with adult responsibilities and problems. I’ve got bills to pay and deadlines to meet. But on May 21, 1999, for one day, none of that will matter. Instead I’ll be 5 years old again, traveling back to that galaxy far, far away. In 1977 George Lucas’s space opera taught us how to use our imaginations. With “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace,” he’s going to give us a “force”-ful reminder. I, for one, am just counting the seconds until it comes.
Bob Taylor Charlotte, North Carolina
I’m afraid your story left the impression that “Star Wars” fandom is a “mostly male” club. In fact, the only women mentioned were fans’ long-suffering wives. This does a disservice to the “Star Wars” sisterhood. I was also “introduced to Lucas’s original trilogy as [an] impressionable grade-schooler,” a second grader to be exact. I’ve still got the bug 22 years later, as do plenty of other ladies out there. We’re students, working stiffs, wives, moms and grandmas. We’re in the online chat rooms, message forums and newsgroups. We’re filling our homes with “Star Wars” memorabilia. Who says this madness is only for boys? In the days leading up to May 21 and thereafter, I guarantee you’ll find just as many “fangirls” as “fanboys” in line.
Mary Jo Fox Vienna, Virginia
Congratulations on your superb coverage of the worldwide phenomenon of “Star Wars.” It is about to conquer us again 22 years after its first liftoff. The global “Star Wars” buzz is about fans like me who arrived a bit too late for the first round. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see all three “old” parts in one night in 1997. People probably imagine us “Star Wars” fans as weird guys dressing as Darth Vader and doing the strangest things just to get a seat at the premiere. You either love the “Star Wars” phenomenon or you don’t understand all the fuss. May the force be with you, NEWSWEEK!
Christoph Burkhardt Dinkelscherben, Germany
I’ve already booked my flight to the States to see the new “Star Wars” movie. It won’t start showing here until August. I plan to see it several times. “Star Wars” is not just a movie. It’s a way of life.
Gudmundur Johannsson Reykjavik, IcelandAspects of Love?
Hillary Clinton seems to be one of the most admired women in America, but where does she really stand ( U.S. Affairs, March 1)? She keeps loyally by her husband’s side, a husband who has cheated on her through the years. Can this be love? I don’t understand love without respect and honesty–how can one respect a cheater? For the sake of America, I hope that love is the real reason, not just a love for power and for a political career. American democracy and American institutions have already suffered enough damage.
Miguel Nadal Skelleftea, SwedenThe Warmth of Belgium
As an American living in Luxembourg, I’ve had numerous encounters with Belgians and agree with you that it is “France without the French” ( Society & The Arts, Feb. 15). Belgians are known to have the flair and style of the French with none of the arrogance that is part of France’s national psyche. Unlike the French, however, Belgians know how to take a joke based on their national stereotypes. But you are wrong to say that Belgium “has two languages.” It has three official languages–French, Dutch and German. The German-speaking population numbers only 60,000, but everyone who lives in Belgium is aware of the German presence. The king, in his annual televised Christmas address, speaks in all three languages. Some of us consider ourselves fortunate to have seen Belgium in all its splendor.
Alan Quinn Bonnevoie, LuxembourgThe Clinton Conundrum
The excerpt from Michael Isikoff’s book ( U.S. Affairs, Feb. 22) is chilling. Hillary Clinton was right after all about a vast right-wing conspiracy. It is frightening that these “elves” with vast financial resources, political connections and big-name shyster lawyers can go on a relentless hunt to bring down anyone who is not Republican. They are willing to risk and endanger the interests of the American people and make America the laughingstock of the world. The world is looking for American leadership, with the grave economic problems in Asia and the gathering dark clouds over Europe. I hope we will keep all this in memory, especially the sight of Mr. Hyde desperately (and unsuccessfully) trying to play the role of Dr. Jekyll and a Congress doing the bidding of the elves. We have the power of our voters to change all this next time.
Istvan E. Ary Budapest, Hungary
In your article on from the Lewinsky circus (U.S. Affairs, Feb. 8), you quote William Damon saying: “For kids during their formative years to see dishonesty not dealt with as a serious matter could be disastrous.” The president of the United States, arguably the most powerful man on earth, lied and has been publicly humiliated before the whole world in an unprecedented fashion. And kids aren’t going to learn something from that? I raised three children when our presidents were Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon and so I was never under any delusion that presidents could or should serve as role models, but were I trying to teach a young person that honesty is the best policy, I would consider this present mess a perfect example to cite.
Al Hormel Weston, ConnecticutNo Place Like Home
Michael Elliott, your article (World View, Jan. 25) was a fine work of professional journalism. As a former New Yorker living in Mexico City, I felt as if I were back home when I read your essay. Thanks a lot for the sentimental journey.
Victoria Mamieh Mexico City, Mexico
I thoroughly enjoyed the editorial on the amazing cultural experience that is New York City and envy Elliott’s situation of being able to visit the city on a daily basis. I, too, look forward to returning to New York soon and being able to walk over Brooklyn Bridge on a Sunday afternoon, enjoying the best skyline in the world.
J. P. Leary Manchester, England
