Getting Rid of Hussein

Times’ editors should rethink their support of a continued embargo against war-ruined Iraq (“Yes, It Was a Mistake to Leave Him in Power,” editorial, July 12). The famine and epidemics this policy is causing kill children especially. No geopolitical ends, no enemy du jour , can justify such means.

The issue here is even more than the murders of tens of thousands of Iraqis. For these murders, done with widespread popular and diplomatic approval, are institutionalizing a new world order of barbarism. Its supporters should make sure that this is what they want, because they will be living with it for a long time.

JOHN S. JAMES

San Francisco