Madam, - In 1862, during the American Civil War, a weary, hungry and cold Confederate soldier ran out of ammunition and was captured by some Northern troops. They questioned him as to why he had taken up arms against them - he, a person having no land, no slaves and little interest in politics.
"Because you are down here," he replied.
One view of the current state of affairs in Iraq is that while Saddam was a total despot, at least he was one of their own and the country worked reasonably well.
Following the US-led invasion unconfirmed figures have put the death toll at over 100,000 Iraqi dead, 10,000 US military personnel severely injured and over 1,000 killed, and a large part of the population alienated with ready access to weaponry of all kinds to use against the invader. Meanwhile, oil exports have largely ceased and little else in the country works.
At the very least, while in power Saddam wasn't stupid enough to destroy the hand or the country that fed him . . .
But all is not lost. Free elections will be held shortly, freedom and democracy are at hand and George Bush has signed up for another four years. - Yours, etc.,
ARTHUR DUNNE, Seafield Close, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Tony Allwright ( letters January 25th ) asks: "Do you believe that if the coalition were to cease its action or depart, the insurgent violence would stop?"
Let's really test his hypothesis and give peace a chance . - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN BUTLER, NGO Peace Alliance , Phibsborough Road, Dublin 7.