General agreement.

• Author: Ray, C.L.
• Position: Letter to the Editor

Gen. Clark's assessment of the Middle East situation is well on point ("Broken Engagement," May). VQ should all be reminded that every struggle should be to win the minds of the opposing forces. The art of persuasion is still the best weapon to eradicate tyranny.

My old law partner often said, "The American people have got just about what they want, and when they don't like what they have, they will change it."

The same applies to Muslims in the Near East. When they don't like what they have or the situation in which they find themselves, they will change it. We can only assist; we can't change it for them with guns and soldiers. They must have the desire and will to make the changes for themselves.

C.L.Ray

Lt. Col.(Retired), USAF

via email

Clark has distilled our current situation into an articulate and compelling discussion without resorting to over simplification, sound bites, and character assassination. There's a plan here, and anyone who fails to see it just isn't interested...