Germany and the Euro

Germany and the Euro
Re “Why Germany Must Save the Euro” [Aug. 12]: The German political and financial elite has shown a tremendously myopic, narrow-minded and, ultimately, self-destructive conduct from the beginning of the crisis. If the euro zone crumbles, then the biggest loser will undoubtedly be Germany, as the introduction of the ultra-strong deutsche mark would give the kiss of death to its export-driven economy. Not to be misunderstood, I do not ignore the vast mistakes made by southern countries during the past decade, and I despise both left- and right-wing populist rhetoric that Germany must be solely blamed for the economic plight of the euro zone.
Georgios Kapellakos,
Halkis, Greece

A number of economists doing research work at leading German universities have come to the conclusion that Germany does not need the euro. Its introduction, which was politically motivated, was a big mistake. Of course, leaving the euro zone would be costly for Germany, but the German people will make great sacrifices once they have gotten rid of those blackmailing and abusive idlers. What these nations lack is creative ideas and entrepreneurial willpower, not benefits.
Karl Göbel,
Aachen, Germany

Rana Foroohar’s article on the euro and Germany was incisive. A common currency liberally distributed among 17 nations, with fiscal controls still residing within each government and effective monetary policy within each central bank, was always “cart before horse” going nowhere. The sequence should have been one state, followed by one fiscal policy, then followed by one currency.
Ron Rankin,
Edinburgh

Democracy in Egypt
Re “Egypt’s Liberal Guilt” [Aug. 12]: Democracy does not solely mean “majority rule.” Democracy rests on pillars of liberty, one of those liberties being freedom of religion, which must also encompass freedom from religion. This pillar of liberty is surely broken by any government with a religious-law agenda, in this case an Islamist agenda. Therefore, though elected by a majority, the Muslim Brotherhood government can hardly claim true democratic legitimacy in my book.
Anders Mansson,
Malmo, Sweden

Though Egypt is getting more chaotic if not bloodier by the day, Shadi Hamid might be wrong in blaming the liberals and political leaders. After decades of military rule, Egyptians are not really prepared for democratic rule that was suddenly thrust on them literally overnight. Leaders only see the golden opportunity of power grabbing, oblivious of the task to rebuild the nation democratically.
Venn Tzu Chen,
Singapore

Fixing India
Re “War of the Dons” [Aug. 12]: These privileged Indian economists planted abroad do not seem to understand the cause and depth of Indian poverty. None has offered any solution to corruption prevalent from top to bottom. Corrupt politicians, administrators and judiciary are all thriving monetarily by “regulatory regimes” discouraging foreign investment. Essential services and rule of law will function only with some kind of social equality and well-being.
Mina W. Singh Batra,
Sydney

Hoop and Change
“The Tashkeel Diaries” [Aug. 12] shows what is needed to bring people together: the will to understand each other and respect the other person’s customs and mores. The article also shows that reaching a set target — here in the domain of sports — through universal values such as hard work, discipline and mutual respect, can contribute to building a safer world.
Christophe Gasztych,
Ste.-Croix-en-Plaine, France

Although I am no basketball fan and do not understand all technicalities of the game, I was deeply moved by the article. I have much admiration and respect for what a single man like Tom Gouttierre can accomplish with so little means and so much enthusiasm.
Ghislain Fonder,
Neupré, Belgium