Letters to the Editor, June 30, 2005

Conflict Terminology: Enemy Combatant

I think we should add enemy combatant to the terminology list. I do not think I can create the definitive definition at this point, since it is now employed against American citizens.

Preston Taran

Editor: I'd like to add it to the list as follows, unless you and readers want to change it. Waiting for your replies:

Enemy Combatant is a person decided and treated by the US President or military leaders as an enemy fighter, even if he/she is not a member of an army, like Gitmo inmates. The term also applies to US citizens, like Padilla. Once a person is classified as such, he/she is denied legal rights, including an attorney, due process, or a trial.

A Symbol for Iraqis

I'm trying to be in the middle of this whole unfortunate war, but I think the Iraqis should choose one of kind graphic symbol of existence.

To my experience, I'm Polish and proud of it. In 1944 during the Warsaw insurgency, the Polish people established a symbol which was looking like "P" letter resting on an anchor. I don't know if this example has anything to do with the current situation and if it is appropriate. But it is just a thought, which I wanted to share with you.

Walter Grzybowski , New York

Editor: Each one of the Iraqi political and military groups has its own flag and symbol. But they have the Iraqi national flag in common with the US-Backed government.