To the editor:

Re Thomas Friedman's column, "A bad mistake," about the Israeli prime minister's scheduled speech to a joint session of Congress: With the possible exception of global warming, Iran's drive to obtain nuclear weapons is the most serious problem facing the world today. Benjamin Netanyahu is probably the world leader with the best handle on that problem.

Netanyahu, who very well may not be Israel's prime minister much longer, is interrupting his election campaign in Israel to speak to Congress. It may be a bad mistake for him politically, but it's a gift to America and everyone who wants a diplomatic solution. Rather than snipe at him, all of us - including President Obama - should be grateful and listen carefully.

Sincerely,

Alan Stein