Somalis Should Determine Steps to Peace

I agree with the first sentence in the Opinion page article ``US Must Continue in Somalia Until Objectives Are Reached,'' Aug. 16, when the author writes, ``Enough.'' After that, we part company. The author claims we should double the number of American troops and confront, disarm, and capture Gen. Mohamed Farah Aideed. Such a ``Rambo'' style has never had a lasting effect except to embitter the nationals against the outside forces.

In the case of Somalia, a pause is necessary to reflect on the good that has been obtained thus far with relief efforts and the turn of events over the past two months, and to get a clear and updated picture on the best way to proceed.

This means calling on the Somali clan elders and getting a directive from the Somalis themselves rather than a United States view on the best way to proceed. Heidi Ernst-Luseno, Nairobi, Kenya

Your letters are welcome. For publication they must be signed and include your address and telephone number. Only a selection can be published, and none acknowledged. Letters should be addressed to "Readers Write," and can be sent by Internet E-mail (200 word maximum) to OPED@RACHEL.CSPS.COM, by fax to 617-450-2317, or by mail to One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.