THE whole strategy of the current war in Iraq was conceived in a policy document prepared by Messrs Cheyne, Rumsfeld and others in 1998.

This is prior to George Bush's dubious election in 2001. The policy was for the USA to attain dominance in the Middle East and to gain a major say in the running of OPEC, the oil producers' organisation. The evil events of September 11 were the catalyst that started the chain of events that put us in the current situation.

I believe the French were probably right in seeking extended time for weapons inspectors, of providing a greater number of inspectors with more authority and protection. Saddam Hussein and his cronies should be brought to trial in The Hague if, as it seems possible he is guilty of crimes against humanity in the same manner that Milosovic has been brought for trial. We should not be involved in a lynch mob.

It is feared we are at the beginning of a re-run of World War Two with Iraq being the Czechoslovakia and Syria and Iran being the likely Poland. Are we as a country being the Italy? I hope not.

Youth have been condemned for demonstrating their position by taking time off from school. Let them and the rest of us take what would probably be a more effective action by boycotting Asda shops, Texaco and Esso garages, McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola products.

This is not an anti British troops letter, they have been put in their situation by a leadership that a vast number of people disagree with and are deserving of our sympathy in their predicament. Let us re-think our position in order not to lose all the things our fathers fought so gallantly for in World War Two.

BRIAN KING,

Leigh Road,

Holt.