The following Letter to the Editor, written by CPJ member Dan O'Rourke, was published in the January 6, 2007 issue of the Buffalo News (title was provided by the News):

"Bush must not rush into a war with Iran"
Dear Editor:
President Bush is proud of his reputation as a decider. What then has taken him so long to decide on “a new way forward” in Iraq?  Part of the delay probably is that many of his generals have opposed his escalation of troops levels. But I have another concern.  Does the President intend to take the spotlight off his politically unpopular troop surge with an announcement of a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program?  Such a decision would be disastrous.  It would unite the Muslim world even more fiercely against us. Admittedly Iran’s President Ahmadinejad deliberately provokes us.  He calls for the destruction of Israel.  He sponsors conferences for Holocaust deniers.  He flaunts the United Nations.  But patience not a military strike is America’s best policy. Ahmadinejad’s party has already lost support in local elections. Students have jeered him publicly. Iran’s state-run television has reported this. The Iranian people recognize his extremism.  He will self-destruct.  We do not have to destroy him militarily.

Daniel O’Rourke