Peace Prospects Between Israel and Arabs

Barry Rubin has the audacity to accuse the U.S. government of twisting reality in order to defend the PLO’s reputation (“How Low Will We Stoop for Arafat?” Op-Ed Page, March 22). This makes me question Rubin’s loyalty and the legitimacy of his Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

For years, the U.S. government accepted the Israeli line about Palestinian terrorism. Now that--thanks to the intifada --the U.S. and the world got to know firsthand who are the terrorists and who are the victims, Rubin ignores the facts and charges the U.S. with “twisting reality.” Whose reality?

Before he goes any further with his absurd charges, he would be well-advised to read Page A6 (March 22). “ . . . Israel army’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron . . . told a Parliament committee that there is no proof that (Yasser) Arafat’s faction in the PLO, Fatah, is carrying out attacks against Israel.” Was the Israeli chief of staff stooping for Arafat as well?

SAMI M. ODEH

Orange