Column provides lessons

Khosrow Semnani's view (My View, Nov. 3) on the internal change in Iran has lessons for us. It was not American weaponry or soldiers which are bringing Iranians back in touch with their "history, heritage and humanity." In the same way, our military involvement in other parts of the Middle East will not make long-term improvements with the stew of tribal and religious power struggles which date back before the formation of the United States. We would make more progress in the Middle East by humanitarian efforts and providing promising Middle Eastern students scholarships to help show the richness of our democratic ideals and cultural traditions.

Our military and law enforcement blood and national wealth should be re-deployed from nation-building efforts to seeking out the outlaw groups who are devoted to harming Americans. Middle Eastern occupations, like those conducted by the Soviet and British empires, are counter-productive in seeking democratic change or in gaining cooperation in getting those outlaws who are a clear danger to Americans.

Anthony Arnason

Midvale