Jilting at windmills.

• Position: Letters - Letter to the Editor

I love reading The Washington Monthly. I especially love reading Charles Peters's "Tilting at Windmills" column for its readiness to skewer sacred cows of the liberal establishment. That is why I was dismayed to find in his December column three--count them, three--items blaming Israel unilaterally for the continuing violence in the Middle East. Describing Arafat as "slippery" hardly does justice to a man who has lied, broken sworn agreements, and fostered violence. One may have issues with Ariel Sharon (I do), but he is the only Middle Eastern head of state to have taken office in a contested election. Arafat's election was as contested and democratic as that of Mubarak in Egypt or Saddam Hussein in Iraq. I know that it has become "politically correct" in liberal circles to bash Israel, but it is Palestinian violence that is preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Were the violence to end and were the Palestinians to give up their dream of destroying Israel, they would have their state within months. I expect more balance from Peters and from The Washington Monthly.

Rabbi Harold Kushner

Natick, Mass

A New York Times reporter and Charles Peters ("Tilting at Windmills," December) both discussed the wisdom of...