In response to “Disturbing use of Islamic symbol” (letter, Feb. 26): The writer claims that the use of the star and moon symbol is offensive and a slight against Muslims.

Surely, a senior noncommissioned officer fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan knows what the flag of one of our strongest allies in the region looks like.

The article, “A Third Gender” (Feb. 16) was about the “third gender” in Pakistan, and the symbology was nothing more than a representation of the flag of that country. That the author felt it necessary to read more into it and write a letter in response is much ado about nothing and fabricates an issue that is otherwise nonexistent.

If the author wishes to call attention to an issue, I suggest he start with the actual mistreatment of his fellow human beings as addressed in the article, as opposed to this perceived misrepresentation.

Sean D. HillyerSchweinfurt, Germany