Saddam Hussein

I just finished reading Edward N. Luttwak’s interesting piece (Commentary, Jan. 13). He makes some telling points.

Among these points in his statement that “Iraq is no longer the great power of the Persian Gulf.” I not only accept that this is true but, because it is so true, I demand to know why Saudi and Kuwaiti forces are not playing a greater role in defending their own territories instead of putting so many of our own forces in harm’s way.

It is and has always been very significant that Israel has never ever asked for one single American GI to defend it against immensely larger foes.

Luttwak knows how to reduce complex things into easily understood concepts, as he has done here. However, he should have gone one step further and insisted that the people whose nations are at risk be more apparent in their own defense.

JOSEPH J. HONICK

Chatsworth