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Help Iraq recover

Sir, — Sensing the widespread public and expert opinion against sending troops to Iraq, the Cabinet Committee on Security has finally said `no' to the U.S. — a laudable decision. The decision has enhanced the credibility of India's independent foreign policy, which faced an acid test on the issue. India now has the responsibility to explore ways of making the U.N. part of the reconstruction work in Iraq. It should send foodgrains to Iraq and extend all possible help to the Iraqis.

Ake Ravikrishna,
Hyderabad

Sir, — India has exhibited extraordinary diplomatic wisdom in politely declining the U.S. request. The Cabinet Committee on Security had, in fact, no favourable argument for sending Indian troops to Iraq except to be used as human shield for the overstaying and demoralised Anglo-American forces. The decision should be an example for other democratic nations to focus more on domestic issues than on pleasing the superpower's expansionist policies.

Anil Thomas,
Chennai

Sir, — It is a welcome decision by India. It is good to see the Government and the Opposition united on the issue. It also proves a point that India has not succumbed to U.S. pressure. India's readiness to support Iraq to rebuild its infrastructure shows its genuine concern. Now that a decision has been taken, one hopes that the Government and the Opposition would show similar unity in solving domestic problems.

Shazeel M. Basha,
Visakhapatnam, A.P.

Sir, — This is just to compliment The Hindu on its excellent reporting on the Government's decision not to send troops to Iraq. The news was published on Sunday itself, two days before others in the media did. The follow-up report on how the Prime Minister's position clinched the issue also offered good insight. It is such outstanding reporting that makes The Hindu the best newspaper in the country.

N.S. Rajaram,
Bangalore

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