Usual scapegoats

How convenient for them to have the usual scapegoats, America and Israel, to blame for the world's woes.

The attack on New York and Washington was not just an attack on America, it was an attack on all of us for daring to have beliefs and values different from those who carried out and supported these horrendous acts.

This is a completely separate issue from present concerns about Iraq. Since your correspondents seem to be convinced Iraq poses absolutely no danger to the West, I presume they have access to highly-classified and sensitive intelligence reports which world leaders are yet to read.

The argument is not about whether Iraq poses a threat. It is about whether the US and Britain should deal with this threat alone and without UN approval.

I am as cynical as the next man about politicians, but I do not envy Bush and Blair. They will have some critical decisions to make.

Our thoughts should be with the military personnel who may be called on to put their lives on the line if circumstances dictate that there is absolutely no other option.

David Lyon,

Kingfisher Close,

Huntington, York.

...THERE have been many pacifist letters in the letters column recently concerning Iraq, yet in my minute's silence on September 11 this was something I couldn't erase from my mind.

The American mind will not forget as we forget, nor as our memories fade will their grief lessen.

This American dream of four freedoms - of speech; of worship, from want and fear - has now been distilled into retribution.

Nine Eleven will be imprinted forever and this quiet strength has already changed the world. In this war against terrorism they will not flinch before their determined enemies and, whether we like it or not, our destiny rides with theirs.

Hopefully, Iraq will realise that to flout international law is extremely foolish. Yet I fear Saddam will continue to snub his nose at global peace. There is only one way to deal with an ignorant bully.

Phil Shepherdson,

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe,

York.

...THANK you to R Westmoreland, Roy Stevens and Alec Featherstone for their outspoken letters on American foreign policy and the death toll the US has inflicted and intends to inflict on thousands of innocents (September 10).

Small wonder that Americans are scared of more terrorist attacks when their leaders are so reckless in promising further wars (ie bombing raids).

When will the message come home to Tony Blair that Britain must not be seen to follow the example of Bush and his cronies.

When will he listen to the voice of the people?

Is our country a democracy or a dictatorship, or is it just an outpost of the US Government?

Jean Frost,

Elmpark Way, York.

...RUSSIA invaded Afghanistan and installed a puppet government. Resistance to this, including Osama bin Laden, was covertly armed, trained and financed by America resulting in the deaths of thousands of Russians before they withdrew.

America now occupies Afghanistan - how long before the Russians covertly arm the resistance?

Britain and America are proposing to occupy Iraq and install a government more to their liking.

One wonders who will finance the resistance to this?

Perhaps you can recommend a manufacturer of body bags in which to invest one's eroded pensions.

Jack Smith,

Willow Glade,

New Lane,

Huntington,

York.

...THE United Nations is "sponsoring" World Ceasefire Day on September 21 this year and every year to come.

It seems appropriate to consider what this might mean if it is really put into effect practically. One day without conflict world-wide is too good to let go.

How effective it will be is yet to be seen, and there seems to be little publicity for the event.

Peace One Day is an organisation working in the UK to promote the event, its website has a number of ideas and events, but none in York.

We could all participate by not starting, or continuing, a conflict with our family, neighbours or work colleagues.

Graham Tissiman,

Eastfield Avenue,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 12:40 Friday, September 13, 2002