This letter from Jeanne DeSocio, a vociferous critic of the U.S. policy of sanctions and a court observer at the Dhafir trial, was published in the Syracuse Post-Standard, January 11, 2006. It was published under the heading, “International gangs must denounce greed,” the last two sentences were omitted from the newspaper.

To the editor:

The gangster, Tookie Williams, founder of the violent Crips gang, was rehabilitated and then executed in prison.

He denounced violence and reached out to vulnerable children by writing books to influence young people not to make the same poor choices he made.

Dr. Rafil Dhafir, physician and humanitarian, founder of the charity, Help the Needy, was incarcerated and sentenced to 22 years in proson. His life choices were to study hard, pray devotedly, teach God’s love and help the needy. Should he denounce humanitarianism and write books to discourage children from making the choices he made?

Dhafir chose God’s Law of Compassion over the U.S. government’s cruel policy and laws pertaining to a blockade against destitute people of war-devastated Iraq.

He sent vital supplies and money to Iraq to prevent permanent disabilities and to save the lives of many of the houndreds of thousands suffering, dying Iraqi children under the age of 5.

Most Americans do not understand that money laundering and wire fraud are methods commonly used to help the needy in nations ruled by brutal dictators.

The Iraqi people, mostly children, have been caught in the crossfire of rival gangs of greedy, violent national leaders.

I hope and pray that the leaders of international gangs will be rehabilitated, denounce greed and violence and set an example of good choices for the children of the world.