Ibish on Ariel Sharon

* Re “Panicked Israelis Have Elected a War Criminal,” Commentary, Feb. 8: Why, after all these years, would Israel elect Ariel Sharon? No leader tried harder and was willing to give up more for peace than Ehud Barak--too much, in the majority’s mind, but peace would be worth it. Nevertheless, the picture of Barak painted by the Palestinians was that of just another insincere killer of poor innocents. Israelis knew better and concluded that temperance wasn’t working. They elected someone who they believed would allow them to sleep more securely.

If Sharon can be compared to Serb war criminals, whom would Hussein Ibish compare Yasser Arafat to? The rock throwers were sacrificed. If you can’t stop kids from throwing rocks, how do you expect to control all those armed Israel haters who scorn peace?

LEWIS GOODKIN

Palm Springs

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How interesting that in Ibish’s commentary on Sharon, despite all his colorful language, he not once mentions Arafat. One might think, considering Arafat’s own “colorful” background, that he and Sharon would make perfect peace partners.

DAN HOROWITZ

Venice

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I think Ibish’s remark that if Sharon were a Serb or Rwandan he would be charged as a war criminal is unfortunately true. The fact that he is congratulated as “head of state” is a frightening demonstration of the racism and hypocrisy of both Israeli and U.S. policy.

As a Jewish woman, I want to totally dissociate myself from the Israeli government. I am ashamed when they speak in my name.

ARLENE EISEN

San Francisco