LETTER TO EDITOR: Iran is dangerous

The recently confirmed involvement of the Iranian and Syrian governments in terrorist activities furthering Iran’s threat to annihilate Israel conjure up thoughts of the Holocaust and Holodomor (1932-33 genocide) in Ukraine. In the latter two events combined, an estimated 15 million innocent people were killed - men, women and children. Both genocides were committed by governments with extremist ideologies and a complete disregard for human life.

Iran - with the acquisition of advanced military arms, the funding and participation in terrorism, the publicly expressed comments about large-scale death, and the further development of its nuclear program - has become a nation with genocidal intent.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned recently that “if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon,it could attack the U.S.” There do exist several possible scenarios for one such attack. Europe is also in the mix, as Iran has expressed contempt for the sovereignty of individual states, most notably Germany.

These are all warning signs, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to them. Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko once stated in reference to Holodomor: “A world that indulges historical amnesia or falsification is condemned to repeat its worst mistakes.” This statement would indeed apply to the Iranian dilemma.

The international community has attempted diplomacy, sanctions and other measures in an effort to halt Iran’s nuclear program. All have failed. There are now few options left, and if the international community does not respond accordingly, the consequences could be catastrophic.

JAMES W. LITSEY

Evansville, Ind.