Editorials / Opinion

I’m writing to express my concern about The Seattle Times’ coverage of the recent developments in Iraq [“Militants try to tighten their grip in Iraq, Syria,” nation & World, July 2]. Articles have highlighted the escalation of military aid, training and weapons to the region, but have failed to point out the shocking…

Republicans seem to have one mission: to thwart President Obama, no matter the issue or his position on it. Columnist Nicholas Kristof is correct in describing foreign policy as a minefield [“Obama’s weakness, or ours?” Opinion, June 26]. Many of the positions or arguments the U.S. used in the past are no longer…

Our country need not go back to military engagement with Iraq. But that does not mean that we do nothing [“Iraq villagers flee militant advance in north,” Nation & World, June 26]. We need to do no harm. Bombs and drones will not help the people of Iraq. Second, we need to pressure our legislators…

I am adamantly opposed to any U.S. involvement in Iraq [“Kerry to Iraq leaders: sharing power is critical,” Nation & World, June 23]. The religious factions there have been fighting for thousands of years, and nothing the U.S. can do would change that. In fact, you may remember a civil war going on while…

I read, with sadness, Sgt. Maj. Thomas Adams’ lament about the price his unit and all other U.S. forces have paid in an effort to bring freedom and stability to Iraq, as well as the Middle East as a whole [“Local veteran agonizes over Iraq retreat,” Nation & World, June 13]. Unfortunately, I see…

Again we’re on the verge of throwing money into a never-ending war in Iraq [“US open to talks with Iran over Iraq,” Nation & World, June 16]. How quickly Congress and our president jump when our industrial-military complex leaders say “jump.” After all, how best to keep your job when you continually perpetrate…

“Don’t just stand there, do something stupid.” That seems to be the consensus advice of opinion makers to President Obama [“Obama sets high bar for US military action in Iraq,” Nation & World, June 13]. And, yes, the second comma is missing on purpose. Most of the actions suggested by these opinion-makers are indeed demonstrably stupid….

After nearly 13 years of war, the number of people we mourn on Memorial Day has grown greatly [“On Memorial Day, honor service to the nation with silence,” Opinion, May 26]. Between invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen, “limited bombing campaigns” in Libya, and more, the U.S. has…

What have we gained? I’m writing in response to the recent article in The Times, about video proof of violence in Iraq. I’m puzzled. [“Videos show rising brutality in Iraq,” News, Aug. 31.] Let’s recap: The U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 to ferret out its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and to oust President Saddam Hussein. Hussein…

Manning endangered troops I am a liberal without a bleeding heart. Pfc. Bradley Manning will receive a punishment that he has righteously earned. [“Northwest Voices: Bradley Manning,” Opinion, Aug. 2.] He was given an unjustifiable reprieve when acquitted of directly aiding and abetting the enemy. It is clear that he set out to harm the dear…