We’re finally recognizing the success of George Bush’s foreign policy initiatives in the Mideast (“How Bush Doctrine Batters Islamists,” Amir Tahari, PostOpinion, May 20).

After years of Democratic and left-wing mindless demonizations and Bush-hatred bordering on insanity, some of the Mideast is experiencing the success of the moderating policies of democratization.

If it weren’t for Amir Tahari’s article, we would never know it’s happening.

We are now stuck with a president who, having abandoned Bush’s policies, is trying to solve the region’s intractable problems with the only weapon in his arsenal: appeasement.

Just when the Islamists are losing the battle, President Obama is restoring the failed policies of supporting the Mideast’s status quo. The chances of talking the despots into changing direction are nil. Elections — and ignorance — have consequences.

Steve Heitner,

Port Jefferson Station