Time December 31, 2001/January 7, 2002 [antikvár]

A Different World ^^If the West does not address the poverty and despair of the masses in the Middle East, the war against terrorism will never be won.77 COHNELIS DEN llElJER The Hague RECENT EVENTS HAVE CHANGED OUR lives in many different ways. The slow response of the European Central Bank to the post-Sept, 11 economic downturn [Dec. 31 was another signal that it is time for us in England to make up our minds. The European Union has so far been little more than another level of government and another army of officials that the long-suffering English have to put up witli, I say tlie English because the Scots and the Welsh and those in Northern Ireland all have their own parlia- ments, whereas the English do not have one exclusive to themselves. For too long, we have been plagued with leaders who are more interested in making their mark on tlie world stage than semng the interests of English voters. If we have to be part of a common market, England would be better off as part of the United States, with which we have much in common. Let the United Kingdom go the same way as the dodo. Paul Brazier Wotton under Edge, England Before we offer advice, we consult the foremost expert on your financial situation. Namely, you. It's why we put expert advice at the heart of our relationships. Backed by the world's foremost manager of private wealth, UBS Private Banking, as well as by UBS Warburg, a leading investment banking and securities house strengthened by the addition of UBS PaineWebber, and UBS Asset Management, a top fund manager, our client advisors have the commitment and resources to constantly monitor your situation and craft innovative solutions to satisfy your needs. The Power of Partnership. Visit us at www.ubs.com ^UBS Financial Services Group UBS ^ UBS Warburg ^ UBS|PaineWcbbcr ^ UBS Issued and approved by UBS AG. Regulated >n the UK by the Securities and Futures Authority. IRONICALLY, THE DEMISE OF OVER 4,000 people on Sept. il may have paved the way for a quantum leap to a new level of world understanding. There have been two important but unsung developments. Firstly the Aiab League recognizes the need to teach and bring understanding of Arab culture and Islamic beliefs to the West. Secondly, the West-particularly the U.S.-is making very real efforts to cross the cultural cUvide through self-education. Should these initiatives work, bin Laden will have been the catalyst for greater world peace, understanding and prosperity. Richard Bennett Germiston, South Africa the bush administration wants to at-tack terrorist groups around the world, but has hardly taken a deep interest in the sources of the problem. The most conspicuous is an Arab leadership that, in order to keep control over its masses, transforms and redirects their discontent into hatred of the West. These leaders should instead address the real issue of rights for the poor. No matter how much interest we in the West have in Middle Eastern oil, we should criticize the unfair division of wealth in those countries. If the West does not address the poverty and despair of the masses in the Middle East, the war against terrorism will never be won. CORNELIS DEN HEIJER The Hague re the escalating violence in israel and the occupied Palestinian territories: I fully understand that the Jews required a state of their own after what happened to them in Europe. However, I do not agree with the creation and maintenance of the Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, in disregard of U.N. resolutions and international law. That said, the indiscriminate suicide attacks against Israeli civilians are horrible and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I do not agree that being a victim allows one to make other victims. The unending circle of revenge can never lead to a solution. 1 grieve for both the Israelis and the Palestinians, victims of history. GerritUilenberg Cargese, France Aid for Impoverished Minds I certainly agree witk michael Elliott that we must listen to the stories of Islam's poor and give a large measure oi time, december 31, 2001-january 7, 2002