To the editor:

Wading through the lies and distortions pervading Hanan Ashrawi's "How the 1967 War Came Home to Me," one core truth comes through loud and clear: for Ashrawi, the basic issue is the very existence of a modern, liberal, democratic state for the Jewish people in our homeland in a tenth of a percent of the otherwise overwhelmingly Arab and Muslim Middle East.

Until Ashrawi and other leaders of the Palestinian Arabs recognize the legitimacy of Israel and that recognition permeates that sick society, it may be possible to manage the conflict, but even a cold peace will remain beyond reach.

Sincerely,

Alan Stein