Sir, If Lebanon’s fragile peace is not to be shattered by the death of Rafik Hariri (report and leading article, February 15), the irony is that the Syrians must stay. It is only the presence of Syrian forces that ended the civil war a little over a decade ago, and only their presence that prevents the war restarting.
Lebanon has been through three civil wars since independence after the Second World War and its population, still heavily armed and divided, has the capacity to reignite hostilities. Without the Syrian presence, the death of Hariri could have been the spark.
Yours sincerely,
THOMAS TUGENDHAT,
18 St George’s Mansions,
Causton Street, SW1P 4RZ.
February 15.
From Mr James Goldman
Sir, Dr Mike Barnes (letter, February 15) alleges that Ariel Sharon sparked off the second intifada when he visited the Temple Mount in September 2000. This view is apparently not shared by some senior Palestinians (including the Palestinian Authority communications minister) who have reportedly admitted that the trigger was the failure to reach agreement at Camp David.
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Mr Sharon’s visit was co-ordinated in advance with the Muslim authorities in charge of the Temple Mount area, and with the Palestinian security chief Jibril Rajoub. We can blame Mr Sharon for the settlements; but blame for the intifada must be placed squarely on the Palestinian leadership.
Your faithfully,
JAMES GOLDMAN,
55 Southbourne Crescent,
Hendon, NW4 2JX.
February 15.