Sir, - I am an Afghani refugee in Ireland and I would like to explain my views of the American bombing of my country. First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the Irish Government for giving me protection. The Taliban executed my father and if I were to return to Afghanistan I too would be killed.
The Taliban are in a minority in my country - many, many people do not agree with them and want democracy. The people of Afghanistan have already suffered the terrible effects of war for over 30 years, and the current bombing is killing yet more civilians - women and children, even if they are not the intended targets.
I pray that the Taliban hands over Osama bin Laden immediately, as it is essential that the bombing of my devastated country stops. I still have family in Afghanistan and I fear that they too may become victims of "collateral" damage. - Yours, etc.,
Sakhiullah Niazi, Dublin 8.