Letters to the Editor [Archives:2001/05/Letters to the Editor]

Dear Editor,
I am respectfully responding to the letter written by Mr. Gary G. Swenchoins Sr. that was published in the Yemen Times dated January 22nd through January 29th. Firstly, I would like send my sincere condolences to you, and the other families that lost their loved ones. I am positive that condolences cannot compensate for such an atrocity that was inflicted on innocent sailors. As a Yemeni American, I solemnly condemn the brutal attacks on the American Sailors and I would like to share my views and answer your questions related to this tragic attack.
It is to my understanding that the Government on both sides, Yemen and the United States are still undergoing tight investigation regarding the USS Cole attack, and the day this tragic incident took place, the Yemeni Government did issue an official statement sending regrets and condolences to all the victim’s families. I personally read this statement, which can be read on our Embassy to USA’s website at www.YemenEmbassy.org. I strongly believe that Yemen is very serious in their relationship with the United States and vows to keep friendly ties. I sympathize that the statement issued does not bring back the loved ones that were lost, but respectfully, I would like to correct you, as the government did acknowledge this statement.
I’m saddened to understand that this act of violence committed by deranged criminals has unfortunately convinced you of your opinion concerning the Yemeni government and the Yemeni population. Sharing my views as a Yemeni American, I cannot emphasize the social disgrace, and humiliation this has caused to our peaceful nation.
My apologies are not enough, and words cannot heal your pain, but I have compassion, and I pray for you and all the victim’s families and hope that this vicious act does not hold us all fully responsible in the eyes of the highly respected American people. God Bless You & the Families that lost their loved ones!
Nadia Y.
Washington, DC
[email protected]

Dear Editor,
Thank you for your prompt reply to our letter concerning the attack on the USS Cole. We feel that an apology is in order on our part. We read how your ambassador had been present at the Memorial Services in Norfolk, Va. and that your leaders did in fact make a formal apology to our nation and the victims families as well.
It would have been considerate, and appropriate of our own government to make us aware of those facts immediately. They never did. We would have like to have met, and talked with your country’s ambassador at the Memorial Services. We are sorry for making that accusation. Thank-you for setting the record straight.
We also want it to be known that we do not hold any animosity towards your country, and/or people. If anything that makes us angrier at our own government for its continued mishandling of the USS Cole attack.
I am sure that you know by now that the previous administration is attempting to “whitewash” the attack by claiming that everyone in our governments chain of command was responsible for the attack. They think by distributing a small amount of blame amongst everyone, no one can be held accountable. The previous Secretary of Defense (Mr. Cohen) investigation is only partially right. We are saddened that our government wants to protect the individuals who are partially responsible for the deaths of 17 American sailors.
He (Mr. Cohen) has since left office as have many of the others who were responsible for this tragedy. Our son has become a victim again, this time his own government has let him down. Again, there are too many unanswered questions. Again, we thank you for the information and in contacting us. Also, thank you for your condolences for the loss of our son.
Gary G. Swenchonis
[email protected]
P.O. Box 1610 – Rockport, Tx. 78381
(361) 729-3290

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