I read Antony T. Sullivan's "Prankster From Tripoli" in the May 1988 issue with dismay.
In April 1986 the United States retaliated against the Libyan regime for a long string of aggressive actions by Muammar el-Qaddafi against Americans and U.S. interests. This use of force had remarkable efficacy, for Qaddafi's bellicosity against the United States has since then come to a virtual end. For over two years, the fanatic of Tripoli has been nearly dormant, and there is good reason to expect him to stay quiet for some time to come.
In light of this record, it is strange to read Mr. Sullivan's condemnation of the American raid and his preference for "silent contempt." It is even more peculiar to learn from Mr. Sullivan that the raid was harmful because it hurt opposition elements within the Libyan military - an exact counterpart to the argument purveyed by Soviet apologists that any effort of American assertion harms the standing of doves in the Kremlin.
Daniel Pipes
Philadelphia, PA
