HARD as I have reflected I cannot see how it can be argued to be "good," "civilised" or "democratic" for the US and UK to behave with such terrible and terrifying violence in Afghanistan with which it is not at war to destroy one man and a particular network.

While Parliament was not sitting Mr Blair committed the UK to unconditional support US military action, scarcely very "democratic". Criminals of this kind should be brought to justice in an International Criminal court and convicted on the basis of evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

Since it seems sadly that the US has exempted itself from ratifying the establishment of an International Criminal court so far ratified by over 40 nations including the UK it is scarcely surprising that the rule of law to deal with Mr bin Laden is of little interest to them.

I should prefer to see Mr Blair governing the UK rather than travelling the world's capitals at taxpayers' expense lobbying for support for military action and in so doing putting at greater risk UK citizens and institutions.

WENDY HANDS,

Upton-upon-Severn.