Links to London Times and Taheri columns on the terrorist attack.

By Henry J. Stern
July 8, 2005

The sad news from London reminds us of our city's vulnerability and our own mortality.  We have seen and watched extensive accounts of the terrorist attack and its bloody consequences.

The New York City newspapers did an excellent job of covering the disaster from many aspects.  We criticize the press for particular articles, but should all acknowledge that today's stories and pictures of the tragedy met a high standard of journalism.  Thank you.

There is no point in linking to local newspapers which are readily available to you.  But there are two items from abroad which you are not likely to see on your own.  They are very well done.
 
A leading article in today's London Times is worth reading for the information it conveys, and the strength and clarity of the writing.  The English appear to be a literate people, perhaps it has something to do with the rigor of their educational system.  You should link to:  RESOLUTION AND RESOLVE: The Need for Extra Vigilance After the Terrorist Outrages of 7/7.

The Times also published a column by Amir Taheri, a brilliant, Iranian-born essayist, scholar and historian of Middle Eastern affairs.  The Times titles it:   AND THIS IS WHY THEY DID IT: There Is No Way to Reason with the Terrorists, But the Thinking Behind their Actions is Perfectly Clear.  Taheri also has a column on the subject in today's New York Post, under their headline:  TIME TO HIT THE SUICIDE FACTORIES: Suicide Bombers are Manufactured by People Who Can Be Identified and Destroyed.  Taheri's columns do not significantly duplicate each other. When they do, you can scan, but the points this very wise man makes are fair, sensible and based on his extensive knowledge of the region and its politics.

We'll be back to local matters next week.  Sorry about today's storm, we hope the weekend is clear.