YTPME
Not human
Sir-- Some say it was done by Al-Qaeda, others say Mossad wants to destroy tourism in Egypt, or that they could be Egyptians.
We may not know for sure the identity but we are sure he has neither religion, nationality or cause. He is not human.
Manar Mostafa
Cairo
Egypt
Need to hurt
Sir-- I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all who lost loved ones or were injured in the bombings of Sharm El-Sheikh and in Neama Bay. It is terrible that those who disagree with religious or political ideas feel it necessary or advantageous to hurt and kill others. My prayers go with you all.
Carolyn Beyner
Florida
USA
Network of cowards
Sir-- I wish to express my sympathy for the innocent people killed by the evil ones in the latest attack. Pakistani involvement, if proven, would increase suspicions that the Al-Qaeda network may have been involved. All people of goodwill regardless of their religion should work together to destroy this evil network of cowards.
Tom Renick
Florida
USA
Failed intelligence
Sir-- What happened in Sharm on 23 July is first-degree failure of intelligence and security. Northern Sinai is surrounded by desert, populated by the thousands. Sharm is not London and Taba is not Madrid.
I visited Sinai many times during the last 20 years, and every visit I see more and more uniforms. So it's quantity not quality.
We have a big problem -- lack of intelligence.
Ali Masri
Copenhagen
Denmark
Security not the answer
Sir-- No one can be fooled into believing that tightening security can make life safe for all ('Driving terror underground' Al-Ahram Weekly, 21-27 July). On the contrary tightening security only exposes the weakness of governments in eliminating terrorists. So the citizens of economically oppressive nations like the US, UK and France are bound to invite terrorism.
The only way to mitigate terrorism is not by spending more on military and intelligence but supporting poor nations and communities and not stripping them of their wealth. Look at Haiti, Sudan or Nigeria and how their resources have been plundered by the rich.
Transparency and accountability are the two pillars on which global peace and prosperity can stand. The question is: are the economically developed nations ready for such transparency?
Kris Dev
Chennai
India
Wanting to return
Sir-- Very, very sorry to hear about the terror attacks in Sharm. It is a tragedy for each single person who died and for their families and friends they left behind.
I was living in Luxor for a year and in Hurghada for three years. I returned to Germany in October because I felt homesick.
At this moment I would love to be back and do anything that might help.
I hope this will not stop people from spending their vacation in Sharm as was the case in Luxor years before.
My sympathy for all the victims and for their beloved ones left behind.
Antje Amme
Krefeld
Germany
Survive and thrive
Sir-- I was so saddened to see the aftermath of the cowardly attack in Sharm El-Sheikh on the innocent. It registers with us all, no matter where people live. The criminals that have caused misery in Egypt and Iraq are nothing short of gangsters; people who have a twisted sense of importance who, like the local bully, stomps and cries when he/she cannot have their own way.
Whatever you believe, there is no excuse for this murder.
As the whole world knows, Egyptians from their ancient roots to this very day, will not be swayed, will survive, thrive and remain an integral part of the Muslim and world stage. Our thoughts are with you all.
Peter Requernd
London
UK
Work together
Sir-- Please know that the hearts and prayers of this and many other Americans go out to you all.
All of us working together can put an end to such barbaric and despicable acts.
Moon Walker
North Carolina
USA
Terrible time
Sir-- I send my heartfelt condolences for all those killed and injured in the resort hotel bombing on the Red Sea.
May God give families and friends strength to come through this terrible time.
Carol Lane
New York
USACaption:
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/753/letters.htm