by an American working in Jordan

To the Editor,

During most of my 25 years of work abroad, I have found America respected for its integrity. No more. It is obvious that re-election of our administration would play into the hands of fanatics, increasing their popularity and helping them recruit even larger numbers of impressionable idealists or war weary poor people. But more serious, it would be seen as betrayal of the millions of moderates in the Middle East who are arguing for tolerance and moderation and are trying desperately to hold their countries together.