Mail Call.

The Bottom of the Global Barrel

Our July 9 Special Report on the world's worst countries inspired letters of praise and of scorn. One reader congratulated us for "having gone deep into each country's heart and showing readers a reality not easily understood." But others thought we turned a "blind eye" to the racism and prejudices of America and European countries. Another reader believed we ignored the achievements of some poorly ranked countries and suggested that promoting a positive image would assist countries trying to integrate into Western democracy.

Who's No. 1?

Your Special Report "The Worst Countries in the World" (July 9) dazzled me. It was incredible to find out how many countries besides mine have so many problems. Before, I thought only Colombia was in the headlines of international newspapers and magazines because of its numerous troubles, but your stories made me see that there are other lands around the planet with the same or worse problems. I think the world's countries need to work together as one entity to create a fair, honest and hardworking planet. Congratulations to NEWSWEEK for having gone deep into each country's heart and showing readers a reality not easily understood.

John Willian Fonseca Manrique

Bucaramanga, Colombia

I agree with NEWSWEEK that there is no country where things are worse for women than Afghanistan. Women there have already suffered because of the loss of their beloved ones; making them lose their jobs amounts to passing a death sentence on them, especially when the government does not provide any help. This system makes the apartheid regime in South Africa look holy.