Edition: U.S. / Global

Symbolism and the Settlements

Published: June 11, 2003

To the Editor:

Re ''Main Palestinian Militants Join to Attack Israeli Army Outpost'' (front page, June 9):

If Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian prime minister, cannot deter the Aksa Martyrs Brigades, an offshoot of the Fatah movement that Yasir Arafat and Mr. Abbas helped found, how do we expect him to rein in Hamas and Islamic Jihad?

President Bush pretends that Mr. Abbas is in control. The terror attacks on Sunday sadly prove this to be nothing but a myth.


Brooklyn, June 9, 2003