Restrictions on U.S. Training

The Times’ indignation and frustration over the Saudi-imposed restrictions on U.S. military training exercises in Saudi Arabia (“Do the Saudis Understand the Problem?” editorial, Oct. 2) is as understandable as it is, alas, misdirected.

Training with live ammunition is important for maintaining combat capabilities and especially so for tanks and artillery units to test fire and calibrate their weapons systems. However, there are other and, arguably, much more serious restrictions. It is reported, for example, that the United States has promised to consult with King Fahd--whatever that means--before launching any action from Saudi territory. Nor is it clear whether or how these joint commands are supposed to consult with other countries that have contributed forces to the region. Surely this kind of confusion is a recipe for disaster. Thus the indignation and frustration are understandable--and warranted.

It is surely fair to assume that these restrictions were known and agreed to by U.S. officials as the preconditions for the Saudi invitation for landing of U.S. forces there. Having agreed to the constraints, indignant and frustrated though we may be, pointing at the Saudis is pointing in the wrong direction.

So it is appropriate to ask: Just who is it that doesn’t understand the problem?

NORMAN PRECODA

Santa Barbara