[S. Fred Singer, "Insignificance of Gulf's Imperiled Oil," June 9] is correct in arguing that hostilities in the Persian Gulf do not threaten America 's oil supply. But he makes the mistake of assuming that the U.S. has offered to protect Kuwaiti ships primarily out of concern for the security of oil supplies.
The real reason for this U.S. step is twofold. First. we seek to take a stand on Iraq's side by helping Kuwait, one of Iraq's foremost backers. Second, we are telling Iranian leaders that their efforts to gain hegemony over the Persian Gulf will not be tolerated. Both of these, I believe, are correct positions, and they justify the help that has been promised to Kuwait.
Daniel Pipes
Director
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Philadelphia, Pa.
