It is readily apparent that your writers have little or no knowledge of Middle Eastern or military history. Your editorial calling for a cessation of hostilities during Ramadan and comments about the upcoming winter in Afghanistan are at best laughable.

On the morning of October 6, 1973, the combined armies of Egypt, Syria and Jordan along with their straphangers launched a surprise attack on Israel. It was Yom Kipper, the highest of Jewish holy days. So much for any cessation of hostilities on any religious holiday(s) observed by any member of the Muslim faith.

Please study your history – the Muslims of this world have participated in hostilities among themselves and with others during Ramadan. It is nothing new.

With your convoluted reasoning Harry Truman would have been required to examine the Buddhist calendar before he ordered the dropping of not one but two atomic bombs.

This nation was attacked. President George W. Bush is not required to give any quarter to the religious beliefs or non-beliefs of the Taliban, Osama bin Laden or their backers.

As to comments about the upcoming winter and its potential effects in Afghanistan, the misery that is being endured by the Afghans is a result of their leaders.

Unfortunate as it may be, that is their problem. We have to deal with an enemy first that killed more than 6,000 unarmed, innocent civilians. Other matters may come latter.

James K. Olberding

Ames