Letters to the Editor: letters@nytimes.com

C.c.: Executive Editor: Howell Raines

Dear New York Times Editor:

re: Annan's Careless Language By GEORGE P. FLETCHER

In his article, George Fletcher argues that the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories (captured in the 1967 war) is not illegal. "It is not illegal for victorious powers to occupy hostile territory seized in the course of war until they are able to negotiate a successful peace treaty with their former enemies," he stresses. Based on this premise, Iraq had a right to occupy Kuwait for 35 years plus, until a settlement is negotiated, which would not necessarily mean withdrawal from all the Kuwaiti territories it occupied. This hypothesis also stipulates that a country of superior military might can occupy another country of inferior military power that it deems "hostile," subjugate its inhabitants for 35 years plus of humiliating military occupation, and, finally, when and if it sees fit to negotiate a settlement, retain portions of the occupied land. How is that different from the law of the jungle, I fail to see.

Regards,
Baha Abushaqra (Mr.)