Sir, – Michael McDowell is allowing his obvious disdain for Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu to colour his judgment on Israel’s conflict with Iran and its Islamist proxies, especially Hizbullah (“US and Israel have inflicted long-term damage on themselves in their war with Iran”, Opinion, March 25th).
In Lebanon Israel is not engaged, to quote McDowell, in a “war of expansion and pursuit of Zionist ambitions for a greater Israel”. Rather it is undertaking the job that the Lebanese army and Unifil have failed to do – ie clearing Hizbullah and other armed Islamists from south of the Litani river to prevent further rocket attacks on northern Israel.
Israel does not possess the necessary troops to maintain a long-term occupation of Lebanon. Nor, despite the utterances of some Israeli politicians, is there public support in Israel for such a move.
Finally, how can McDowell and other members of the Irish commentariat criticise Donald Trump for not fully supporting Ukraine when Europe is refusing to assist the US in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for international shipping? – Yours, etc
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KARL MARTIN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.
Sir, – Michael McDowell’s weekly column should be on the front page of The New York Times. The man’s a legend. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL McINERNEY
Loughrea,
Co Galway.
Sir, – I read with interest Kathy Sheridan’s article referencing a need for civility in leadership. It is interesting that the first president of the United States, George Washington, wrote 110 Rules of Civility which gave guidance on many facets of civil behaviour.
Given that they were written in the 1700s, they could appear outdated and out of touch with modern realities. Surprisingly, many are as relevant today as they were then.
On the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the United States, it would be both prudent and recommended for the current Potus to both read and practice these rules, and, in particular, Rule 65, which states: “Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.”
I’d imagine the families of John McCain, Colin Powell and Rob Reiner would have been grateful if the Potus had heeded Washington’s advice. – Yours, etc,
AIDAN BOYLE,
Dún Laoghaire
Co Dublin.
