Tough Talk

You report that Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the new head of NATO, is a Dane with a tough, no-nonsense style who will sort out NATO in Afghanistan [Sept. 14]. Why, then, does he say, “We would very much like to see further contributions from the European side,” when a “tough, no-nonsense style” would say, “France and Germany, your troops are no use behind a hedge 500 miles away from the fighting — get them where the action is.”
Bob Wydell, OSWESTRY, ENGLAND

Scotland in the Spotlight
I think the release of al-Megrahi was unprincipled and shortsighted [Sept. 14]. But before getting steamed up about it, Americans should remember that for 30 years the U.S. gave a safe haven to scores of Irish terrorists implicated in the murder of innocent British civilians. Irish terrorists sincerely believed that their cause justified murder — so do Islamic terrorists. And it’s natural for Americans to feel that the deaths of Americans matter more than the deaths of Britons, but they cannot expect Britons to agree with them.
David Watkins, CARDIFF

Once again we see financial and political interests come before justice and decency. Al-Megrahi’s release from prison after only eight years is shameful, and even more so since it was officially based on “compassionate grounds.” Where is the compassion for the 270 people who died, and their loved ones?
Stefania Lionetti, LUGO, ITALY

So the al-Megrahi affair might make the special relationship a bit less special? That’s fine by me: the special relationship committed us to the senseless war in Iraq. If the release of al-Megrahi really was done to further British interests in Libya, it was still the decision of an independent democracy and no different from what the U.S. would have done in similar circumstances.
Chris Washington, CHEADLE, ENGLAND

In Scotland, we were aware that the compassionate release of the Lockerbie bomber would be hard for some Americans. However, the decision was reached on firm ethical principles, and we are proud to have a government that can be relied on to adhere to its own laws. We clearly don’t need to take lessons on morality from the U.S. The British Labour government may have questions to answer regarding its relations with Libya, but any question of collusion with the SNP administration in Scotland is, frankly, ludicrous.
Malcolm Kerr, BRODICK, SCOTLAND

Dearly Departed
Gaëlle Faure asks “How much access should family get to your accounts?” [Sept. 14]. Losing a loved one is a painful experience and most of us would want something to turn to as a way of staying close to those who have gone. We should appreciate people while they’re still alive. Keep in touch with old friends, visit the elderly, and love your children. Even in death, most people wouldn’t want certain private information to be revealed to their families. Timmy’s not archiving his frat parties for Mom and Dad, should he die suddenly. It’s more endearing to recall your moments with Grandma than to remember her online status. The pastor doesn’t read Jane’s profile; he gives a eulogy that paints a profile of her life.
Howard Jay Meyer, NEW YORK

A New Direction in Japan
Re your story on Japan’s elections [Sept. 14]: With its new government, Japan has the opportunity to break with the past and become a model world citizen. I lived there for 11 years and directly experienced the limited opportunities offered to immigrants. One way the country can increase its workforce and tax base — and stimulate creativity in its population — is to change its immigration laws. If these policies were liberalized to coincide with those of the U.S., Japan would become a wealthier country, materially and culturally, and receive more respect internationally.
Don MacLaren, ELMHUST, N.Y., U.S.