Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
Kent’s warning
Joe Kent recently resigned as director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre over the United States’ war with Iran. In his resignation letter, he stated that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US and that he could not support a war launched under pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.
Kent reminded Donald Trump that he once warned that endless Middle East wars would cost American lives and drain the nation’s wealth.
When a senior counterterrorism official resigns on principle and publicly questions the justification for war, it should concern us all. Wars launched without clear evidence of an imminent threat risk destabilising the region and drawing other countries into a widening conflict.
New Zealanders should be wary of Western powers once again being drawn into another Middle East war without learning the lessons of the past.
Dana A. Patterson, Ōneroa.
Decentralised structure
Israel keeps knocking off Iranian leadership. Surely, it is aware that Iranian strategic planning is centred on a decentralised “Dead Hand” command structure.
According to the European Council on Foreign Relations and other experts like Alastair Crooke, it was orchestrated by Supreme Leader Khamenei in the months preceding his death. This doctrine was engineered to ensure that Iranian military operations continue even in the event of a total leadership decapitation. By eliminating the entire senior command structure, the US and Israel have removed the only individuals with the authority to rescind pre-authorised military orders.
Netanyahu and Trump need to be put in straitjackets.
Narena Olliver, Greytown.
Navy could play a role
The potential threat to New Zealand’s supply of refined oil products needs to be addressed immediately and it’s time for the Government to think outside the box.
The Government could propose a deal whereby the Royal New Zealand Navy would send a vessel to help guard ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and in return the US would guarantee oil shipments to meet New Zealand’s needs.
Such a move would put New Zealand in a very good position with the current administration with regard to future relations and negotiations.
Quentin J. Durward, expat Kiwi, South Dakota, USA.
Not so fast …
When the current Government took office, they made great haste to increase what they termed “woke” speed limits – the claim was that shorter travelling time would be good for the economy.
Now, with a fuel crisis looming, it seems that travelling more slowly will give better fuel efficiency, which I imagine will be “good for the economy”.
I wonder if Messrs Brown and Bishop (former and current Minister of Transport) will see the irony here?
Greg Cave, Sunnyvale.
Impact of Wattie’s move
It is very disappointing to read that Wattie’s is phasing out its frozen and canned vegetables. It will have a big impact on several regions, as well as limiting the choices for New Zealand shoppers. I always buy New Zealand canned fruit and frozen vegetables, not just out of loyalty, but because I know where they have come from.
Our governments are constantly pushing for free trade, but sadly the result seems to put us at a disadvantage. It is good for dairying and wine growers but hurts other industries and creates long-term unemployment.
J. Hansen, Hastings.
Jury’s questions
My blood boiled when I read the article re trial aborted after jury queried woman’s sex life (March 18). Also, why should colour and style of underwear have anything to do with the trial? I wonder if members of the jury were all wearing plain, white, boring underwear?
My thoughts go out to the woman involved.
Linda Field, Red Beach.
Cash and crime
Karen VanPeursem argues for the retention of cash (March 18). Whenever there’s a drug bust, the police find drugs, guns and piles of $100 notes. Getting rid of paper money would be a very effective anti-crime measure.
Chris Elias, Parnell.