No tears for a dead terrorist

Re “At war with the law in Iraq,” Opinion, June 13

David Luban expresses regret that we killed Abu Musab Zarqawi instead of capturing him. Luban should be aware that on previous occasions our troops were sure that they had Zarqawi surrounded, only to find that he had escaped and was free to slaughter more innocent people. Why should U.S. soldiers have risked his escape on this occasion?

As far as I know, Luban has never risked his life to prevent the killing of innocent civilians by terrorists, so he ought to exercise a little humility and give the benefit of the doubt to our troops in Iraq. If they had been certain of capturing Zarqawi, at little risk to themselves, I’m sure they would have done so.

STEVEN R. GERBER

New York

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Maybe someone should remind Luban that there’s more than one definition for the word “arrest.” It means “to check the course of, to stop or the act of being stopped.” In the purest form, Zarqawi was indeed arrested for good. I think the majority of Americans are pleased that this terrorist wasn’t captured.

Someone should also remind Luban that this is a war and not a police investigation. Zarqawi was the epitome of an enemy combatant and was justifiably killed in action.

CHARLES REILLY

Manhattan Beach