I enjoyed reading your editorial ''Oil spill questions'' (Aug.
24). Politicians cannot solve natural crises (even if they are
man-made) -- only scientists can.  Elected officials, who
unfortunately often have little training in science, need to
create the conditions that enable scientists to study, debate
and identify the best solutions to natural crises like the Gulf
oil disaster.  Michael Pravica, Henderson, Nevada  China on the
global stage  Regarding ''China flouts rules on reactor sales''
by Mark Hibbs (Views, Aug. 21): Why should China play by any
rules?  While the world is preoccupied with global terrorism and
economic problems, China has been emboldened by its rise and the
media hype over all of its economic milestones (nobody talks
about per capita figures, where China would flunk miserably).
Pakistan, like North Korea, is just another card that China will
use to play against the West.  But here is the trump card: The
boys in Beijing don't have to worry about elections.  Gautham
Venkata-Chalam, Brus