This is in regard to The Toledo Blade excerpt entitled, “Officials’ assessments of Iraq do not match reality” of April 16.

The Toledo Blade writer may not be aware that, following the end of World War II in Europe and in the Far East, both Germany and Japan were homogeneously populated.

They were not populated by warring ethnic groups, nor was any outside power in a position to foment unrest, much less armed resistance.

The situation was far different from the situation in Iraq today.

Additionally, Germany had a democratic tradition and a well-educated populace, who had no delusions about the rewards of martyrdom.

Japan had an established government headed by an Emperor who cooperated fully with the U.S. in our effort to rebuild their country and their economy.

Too bad The Blade writer can’t fathom the notion that General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker were testifying fully and truthfully.

After all, neither are either politicians or soap-selling journalists.

You be the judge.

Paul Woods

Brooke, Va.