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Tuesday, 9 October, 2001, 11:25 GMT 12:25 UK
Afghanistan under attack: Your reaction?
Your comments
Click here to read more of your comments.
Adrian M Lee, Saffron Walden, England
Tony Blair urges us not to believe the "Taleban lie machine". At the same time, we can feel the full power of his awesome spin factory turning to this war. I know propaganda is part of any war, and the truth is the first casualty, but surely we would support Mr. Blair more wholeheartedly if he didn't treat us once again like idiots. We are grown up enough to hear both sides and make up our own minds, thank you very much.
We can only hope to stop terrorism if we abide and recognize higher courts. The attack on Afghanistan is illegal unless backed by the UNO. America should set the example, by recognizing the International Court in the Hague.
War has not made the world a safer place, but on the contrary, it is because of war, terrorism is the child of conflicts especially with US's short-term foreign policy in the Middle East that caused the attack on Sept 11. If US were to show the international community the evidence they said they have, and it is justifiable to go and get the culprit or the organization that has planned the operation. By bombing Afghanistan and displacing thousands of innocent civilians is hardly an act of justice, but its repercussion is going to be more serious than before, as the western authorities have already been preparing for a worse terrorist attacks either in UK, or elsewhere in US or other part of Europe. US should resolve to get Osama, that's if he is responsible and not wasting billion of dollars on this senseless war. Remember, as much as those people who died in the World Trade centre are innocent, the civilians in Afghanistan too are innocent.
Susan Casey, London, UK
Is possible that Afghanistan is a side issue for Bin Laden and that a real objective is the destabilisation of Pakistan and the installation of an extremist regime with nuclear weapons.have we walked into one big trap?
Why wasn't the evidence released to the world before the bombardment of Afghanistan began?
The world has a right to see the evidence if the US wants the world to support them against terrorism.
If the trial of the world's most powerful man and his sexual preferences, Clinton and Monica, can be telecast live worldwide and posted on the Internet, then why not this?
I can't believe all this talk about what will work and what wont work. Since when, is everyone here an expert. I strongly support our actions and am proud to have Britain with US. To the Lady who blamed this on Bush, your comments are ignorant. You make it sound like all this started in the last six months. All these people complaining yet no one offers an option to look at. Everyone has the rights to their own opinions. However I notice a lot of negative comments on here from US citizens. They post here because they are too cowardly to post anywhere in the US.
The US did the right thing because they had no other option left.
The terrorists in Afghanistan or elsewhere should understand they cannot force their way of living on common people.
It's a shame that these terrorists are using religion to justify their evil acts.
To make things worse the politicians are also mixing religion with politics.
Not only the US, but also any country that believes in democracy and secular values should try to eradicate these terrorists who have become dictators in some countries in the name of religion.
Gagan,
Imran Aslam, Lahore, Pakistan I believe that the only way that we can rid the world of Bin Laden is to nuke their entire country. This is our only
solution.
A combined covert operation by the US and other powers who are affected by terrorism in the region would have been a much better alternative to bombing Afghanistan. Anyway, considering that the war has already begun, we can only hope that after the Taleban is brought down a government will be installed in Afghanistan that ensures the country will never again harbour terrorists.
What justice is behind the constant killing of several thousand unarmed victims to get one man against whom there is no solid evidence just conjecture? I feel pity for the US and its strange paranoia about Islam. The so-called democracies are bombarding on one hand and doling out humanitarian aid on the other. Who are the real fundamentalists then? Who destroyed Oklahoma and who was targeted for that? Why are the Jews exempted from this lashing? Do they not deserve a similar pounding for their crimes against Palestinians? We as Muslims feel sorry for the tragedy that struck the US on 11th September and consider it a crime against humanity. But we feel badly disgusted with the US reaction.
Eric Vigod, New York USA
The fact that there's a war going on doesn't make me feel too good. But I do think this is a war to be fought. The al-Qaeda group is not a group that wants something, so it's not a group you can negotiate with. They only want a holy war against the West. They reject all people who don't share their kind of religion. And they won't stop. You cannot compare this big worldwide organisation with any other groups who commit terrorist attacks because they have demands. The people who are holding rallies against war and for peace have to get out of their dream world, because if there's one thing this group doesn't want it's peace.
It's obvious that what is now one-sided warfare, will bloom in the future into a great war that America can never win.
The real tragedy is this: Bin Laden is no fool and has anticipated it all. We are doing exactly what he wants us to - playing into his hands. Now his agents can set about destabilising other Islamic countries with their propaganda and the cycle of violence can go on for generations to come. Right now this is not a war between the West and Islam but the real danger is that it could become such a war in the future. That is what the extremists want.
Louis, Mumbai-India
I deplore the terrorist attacks on America as I deplore all acts of terrorism, but I do object to these particular terrorists being called "cowards". What they did was sickening and obscene but by no stretch of the imagination was it cowardly. The truly cowardly act is the bombing of poverty-stricken Afghanistan from the relative safety of warships and aeroplanes. Many innocent people will die as a result of this.
True bravery on the part of the US and UK military would involve large numbers of troops on the ground in Afghanistan protecting the innocent, supporting the opposition and targeting the evil Taleban regime and its troops. Sure, we would take losses but it would be a price worth paying if innocents were saved. Are we no longer prepared to fight to the death for our beliefs and way of life?
The greatest challenge we face is the war to win hearts and minds. Despite the clear efforts by the USA and UK to secure support from world governments, there seems to be too little effort in gaining the support of ordinary people. Populations of all creeds will soon forget the justifications for military action when images and reports start appearing of more innocent suffering. The propaganda of balancing air strikes with air food-drops is clichéd and as subtle as a rat in aspic. The Taleban won the greatest PR victory this week with the release of Yvonne Riddley whose comment was that she was treated well and with respect by the Taleban. A humanitarian act or clever propaganda manipulation?
Adam, Kuwait Bin Laden has been helping Muslims all over the world against unjust governments. Bin Laden's organisation is the true UN for Muslims. They are freedom-fighters, not terrorists as they are wrongly called by America, which has come up with false evidence against him. I agreed with Bin Laden when he said that "there will be no sense of security for the American Government, until there is a sense of security in the homeland and in Palestine", and "the US is the criminal for creating Israel."
I cannot understand why Britain is getting involved in such a horrifying act. Why should British military men take part and risk their lives in attacks against Afghanistan on behalf of America? The attack on America was just in response to its omnipotent policies towards lower graded countries, and who knows, America may have some other gains besides destroying terrorists.
Omer Esmail can't understand why Britain is risking its men for America's problem? When 300 British people were killed in the WTC this became a British problem. Just like it became a problem to the other 80 countries who had their civilians killed.
As for comparing this to the problems in Northern Ireland: around 3000 people have been killed in Northern Ireland on all sides in 30 years. Yet 6500 died in one day in the WTC. It just doesn't compare. And to accuse the USA of funding the IRA - what? The American government is giving money to Irish terrorists? I don't think so. A few Irish descendents send money, that doesn't mean the US government support the IRA. It's like saying the Pakistani government support terrorism because a few of their dysfunctional citizens work with Bin laden.
We don't have any proof that 30 innocent people died in the air strikes on Afghanistan.
And if the West is so corrupt and bad, how come thousands of Muslim people come here for a better life, and are integrated into British culture?
Lewi, UK
It's simple. Someone attacks the USA and kills thousands of innocent people. The USA in response attacks Afghanistan and kills thousands of innocent people. They are as bad as each other.
The Palestinian celebrants are the same as the patriotic Americans waving revenge at baseball games.
Both sides make me sick. Let's hope that one day all will see sense.
I pity Mr. Bush who due to the stupidity of his predecessors is suffering. I thought the universities in the USA are producing minds that can think. But unfortunately they are very short sighted. The real terrorists are the Soviet who created this issue and the Americans who created them. I agree with Mr. Blair that justice should be done. The British must pay for all they have taken from South Asia in full without interest. It is now time to do justice to the world and the West must pay for all they have taken from Third World countries or be ready to die in counter attacks.
Paul, London, UK
I strongly believe the US and UK have no rights whatsoever to attack Afghanistan no matter what. Afghanistan is already suffering enough as it is. The terrorist attack in New York was a terrible crime and should therefore be brought to justice. This does not mean war, which can involve so many innocent people.
I, like many others do feel anxious about the events unfolding in Afghanistan. I also feel for the Afghans on the move in the region. I do nevertheless believe there is no alternative than to take action, otherwise these terrorists have won. Afghanistan has suffered enough under the Taliban. They have no respect for human life and what they are doing is contrary to the teachings of the Koran. It is about time someone stepped in to free these poor people once and for all. It will come as no surprise that Osama bin Laden is probably running Afghanistan and not the Taliban. That is why they cannot hand him over. They need his money. Why should the West be dictated to by these barbarians? I say good luck to America and its allies and I pray they succeed in their brave action for our valued freedom and democracy.
Chris G, UK
World's richest nations have joined to bomb world's poorest and innocent nation. What have we become? To protect Afghan's civilians from the Taleban, we bomb their women and children first and then throw food off the fighter planes to add an insult to injury. Don't the poor of this world have dignity any more? Does this world only belong to America or the countries that follow her blindly? Bravo to America for being so ignorant, arrogant, power hungry and blood thirsty.
Bombings alone will not bring this war to an end. The allies must send in troops, as this is the only way in which those who go underground can be caught. Although this will substantially increase the allies' losses, it shall make this war more swift, successful and effective.
Thanks Tony Blair. Because you apparently think it's OK to bomb civilians in Afghanistan, there are now plenty of people out there who think it's just as OK to bomb Britain. I live in London, and every morning when I awake I turn on the radio with a sense of sick dread in the pit of my stomach as to what will have happened here.
The attacks on America were revenge attacks for America's policies in the Middle East, for the sponsored killing of the families and friends of people who became "terrorists" to get revenge. Revenge breeds revenge. Blair and Bush have started a war they can't win, and can't finish. God help us all.
Tim, London, UK
I can't decide who the bigger terrorist is now.
I know a lot of innocent women and children will die in Afghanistan who have nothing to do with terrorism. In fact they barely get one meal a day.
Those of you who say the US deserved the September 11th attacks are providing little information as to just what the actual justification for these cowardly acts is. Is it because we didn't sanction Iraqi rule over the entire Middle East? Or is it because we didn't help Saddam kill all the Kurds? Or is it because we aren't helping any number of nations to kill all the Jews in the region? And by your flawed logic that we Americans earned our punishment then you must agree that those that we deem responsible for the attacks will have earned the hellfire soon to come upon them. We don't need any trials, as no trial was afforded our nation before the extremists handed out their barbaric justice. And if you care to look at the real facts, you will find that innocent Muslims are being persecuted not by us, but by the criminals that are the
Taleban, the terrorist cult leader Osama, and Saddam, who uses poison gas on his own countrymen.
Nick, Brisbane, Australia
Until the majority of Americans realize why people like bin Laden wage terrorism against the US the problem will continue. It is our capitalist imperialism that creates this hatred of the US in the third world. US foreign policy is largely guided by the desire to further the economic interests of American corporations. We have created and supported far more repressive regimes in the world than we have fought to bring down. We only take a stance against human rights abusers when there is some political or economic reason for doing so. If we truly cared about the well-being of the people of the world we would not have allowed the brutality in East Timor to continue for 20 years or supported the likes of the Shah of Iran and Saddam Hussein. As the most powerful and capable nation in the world, it is our moral responsibility to ensure that all world citizens live free of hunger and government repression. America should have provided the proof to the whole world before attacking Afghanistan.
By the presence of the Muslims on those planes, you can not say that some particular person was
involved in it. Currently, they are not doing anything except testing and demonstrating their weapons
so that they can find some more buyers.
Mr Blair and Mr Bush have both said that the Northern Irish peace process can only move forward with talking - not with military action. And there they are, bombing the hell out of a small country before trying to use peace talks. This is the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard. I think both of them should now remove their respective countries from the Northern Irish peace process. They are an absolute disgrace to their countries.
C Thompson, Netherlands
I believe that after the US strikes on Afghanistan the world will be a more dangerous place to live. If US is so just and powerful they should go after their enemies on a one-on-one basis. Let their troops battle commando-style and hunt their enemies.
This act will breed more terrorism. Every action has an equal reaction and with human beings the time and intensity is unpredictable.
Congratulations to the UK, it has done it again. It has shamelessly destroyed yet another nation. As if the Indian sub-continental states of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kashmir were not enough. When will it see that the actions it takes today will setback the process of development and ultimate human development for generations like it did in Pakistan? Do you think the next generation of Afghans will react with civility to this? Do you think civility and democracy happens over night? Now the UK is just a parasite sucking on the USA's blood. In 20-30 years, it will lose all credibility as a developed nation. The UK has its own internal problems to worry about. I used to think the UK was a country of great minds. I used to admire her brave soldiers and larger than life citizens. Now I am not too sure.
So let's get this right: The attacks on America, however barbarous, were a misunderstood cry for help, as well as a justified act of revenge for Libya, Iraq, Kyoto and other ailments. America's response, however well-planned and targeted, is an imperialist act of aggression with the aim of ruling the world. The world would be a happy, peaceful and prosperous place if it weren't for America.
Do you realise how silly that sounds?
The comments on this page seem to be more unbelievable the further I read. Yousuf Basit of Pakistan: if we are so bad, why do so many of your countrymen flock to the UK each year in an effort to better their way of life? And to Pete of the UK: well, you should be ashamed of your comments. Let me assure you, you do not share the views of most, if any at all. The attacks on the US were unwarranted and unjustified. To allow this to go unpunished would simply open the floodgates for more to occur, possibly here in the UK. Then what would you say. Quite frankly, to indicate that the US are responsible is an insult to the 7000 who died in the recent atrocities.
Semperfi, California, USA
I don't care how much you disagree with American foreign policy. Terrorism is never justified. As fashionable as it is to hate America, the attacks on September 11th remain senseless, cowardly acts. The US and UK have a responsibility to the rest of the world to make sure there is an end to terrorist organisations.
Given the lengths to which the USA and UK are prepared to go to apprehend, punish, or eradicate Osama Bin Laden and the Taleban, would Sudan then be justified in using the same means to
seek justice for the bombing of their pharmaceutical factory? Does anyone know how many people were murdered in that attack? Does anyone care? The principles espoused by President Bush and PM Blair are fine. I just wish they applied equally to everyone.
I am sure we have all heard the saying: "The first thing to go in war is the truth." I believe that is the case now. We are all believing some kind of lie. I would like to know what is really going on. Of course, that may not happen for years to come. America being the resource-hungry nation that it is, there is probably some kind of financial benefit from this war on terrorism. To all the people in "civilized" countries, do you think that there is really no human cost to all of our possessions like cars and computers? If we are going to bomb Afghanistan, we should also make a commitment to increasing the standard of living of its civilians, after their corrupt government is gone.
Kevin, UK
The Taleban and Bin Laden do not want peace. They murder and abuse their own people who don't obey their warped form of Islam. The US and UK does not target innocents while terrorists target only innocents. How long peace lovers, should we sit and try to live our lives and run our countries before do carry out their cowardly acts? How much of the world will they be allowed to rule? Your peace loving freedom is protected by those willing to fight for it, not by terrorists who stand for oppression.
It is amazing to hear people saying that this is the fault of the US. What type of twisted logic has to be administered in order to say that this is our fault. We were attacked by a group of people. Those people must now take responsibility for their actions and not disguise their measures in the face of Islam. Saying an attack on Afghanistan is an attack on Muslims is like saying an attack on the US is an attack on the entire Christian world. It is not even logical. Ignorance breeds ignorance.
Steve Crosley, San Francisco, USA
The Taleban and Bin Laden have as much contempt for the people of Afghanistan as those who disagree with their extremism. Hitler once, said to the Swedish PM during WWII that if the German people were not willing to pay with their lives for his cause, then they too, deserved to be eliminated. The west has had its extremists - Hitler, Mussolini, and Milosevic. We dealt with these people. The Middle Eastern countries need to deal with their extremists if their aim is peaceful co-existence with all peoples and nations.
America attacked Iraq ten years ago to make the world a safer place. The events of September 11 have proved that the world is a far more dangerous place now. Ten years from now the world would be an even more dangerous place as a result of the American attacks on Afghanistan.
Simon Horrocks, UK
The allies want to eliminate the terrorists, fine. But they should try to remember that more innocent civilians' lives will be lost in the process.
A military-style assault was launched against the US on September 11.
If not a military response, what do you suggest that will allow the people of all western nations to be able to drink their water or breathe their air with confidence and without fear of pollution?
Do you really think lawyers are sufficient for the job?
By using force we consistently demonstrate that we are no better than terrorists ourselves. The only way we will resolve conflict is by peaceful means. The saddest thing in all this is that George Bush and Tony Blair have shown how little they care for human life - they will spend billions on a "just war" and yet ignore the needs of their own back yards.
Robbo, Birmingham, UK
How would you like to be an Afghan now? Ruled by the Taleban, living with terrorists, bombed and starved. Maybe if we started helping people like these, and those in Iraq who suffer at the hand of the US, people like Bin Laden would have less reason to bomb us.
Violence creates pain, pain creates anger and eventually anger will turn to hate. Instead of extracting Osama Bin Laden these actions will only multiply the number of terrorists tenfold. As Tolstoy said: "Our greatest ally is patience and time."
And so we sit and await the next attack on either the US or the UK, which will, in all probability, be far more brutal and far more vicious than that of the September 11.
One more reason for the US to unleash terror and to show off its superiority.
Opposing strikes against the Taleban means supporting not only terrorism but also the ongoing religious intolerance, oppression of women, kidnapping of aid-personnel, and starvation imposed by the Taleban.
It is precisely because of the freedom to express oneself in the western world that we have access to this media to air our views. How many Afghans, especially women, have that freedom? I support the UK and US coalition to fight against these brainwashing cowards who hide behind civilians rather than stand up to justify their actions publicly.
John, London, UK
Today is a day of shame for all British nationals, once the envy of the world and a free state, now being run by the bullies of the world, the US. God help the Afghans.
Should Chile have bombed the UK for not extraditing Pinochet? Why hasn't the US used military action to oust every human rights abusing regime in Africa? My point is not that we should do nothing, simply that the US and UK should stop parading themselves as the defenders of 'infinite justice' and the highest moral values when they only ever act to serve their own political interests.
People who are saying Britain is against Afghan and Muslims by attacking Afghanistan are plain and simply wrong. We are helping the Afghan people by getting rid of their Taleban regime. They treat their own people inhumanely: torturing and maiming women for wearing lipstick, publicly executing them for other "sins" and letting millions of their people die of starvation. It's about time this regime was broken apart. Then we can help the Afghan people rebuild their lives in a free country, and feel safe in the knowledge that the extremists will not try to take our own freedom away.
As a Muslim I am astonished by the response of my Muslim friends and family who have somehow been united by this action "against Muslims". Osama Bin Laden has said that he wants to acquire nuclear and chemical capabilities. He must be stopped. And if the Taleban hinder this necessary action then they walk into their fate with open eyes. And for all of my Muslim brethren who decry the humanitarian disaster - I wonder how many of them have shed a tear or lifted a finger to help the crisis that already existed in the region among their Muslim brothers? Or how many of them care still about all the Muslim brothers and sisters in Tajikistan who are slowly starving to death? I am ashamed and disappointed that my Muslim friends can justify support for these monsters simply for political expediency - hating the US and Israel has always been a sport. If we are to criticise those who take action then we as Muslims must learn to take that action in their stead in our own way. Not stand by and let this evil dishonour all of us.
Terrorism has no place in our world today. The days of the Jackal ended in the 70s. I totally agree with president Bush that every country has to make a choice today - either to side with terror or to be with the progressive forces that are out to see terrorism brought to an end. You cannot terrorise other people in the name of religion and claim justification for your actions in religion. Those who condone terror must suffer for their actions today and learn the vital lesson that the progressive world is completely against terror.
Why is it when I see a picture of Bush or Blair I see evil? The Taleban was a creation of the good old USA. The murders in Chile were a creation of the good old USA. The IRA was funded by the good old USA. The good old USA attacked an aspirin factory in Sudan without any convincing evidence. Some people may say that Bush didn't cause the death of all those innocents in New York.
Of course not, but his obvious disregard for other nations did.
Strange that the US and Britain are using large, flashy military assets like fighters, bombers and cruise missiles to fight a war that, if it can be won, will be won with good military intelligence, assistance to the northern alliance, and a protracted low-intensity conflict. Are these air strikes just showmanship on the world stage to show the American people that something is being done? I hope the innocent Afghan "collateral damage" understand.
Ilyas, Pakistan, Islamabad Tony Blair claims history teaches us that "sometimes to safeguard peace, we have to fight", but he should have paid a little more attention in class. CV Wedgwood said about the European nations involved in the Thirty Years War in the 17th century that "they wanted peace, and they fought for thirty years to achieve it. They did not learn then, and have not since, that war breeds only war." She wrote that in 1939. It seems that the millions who have died since then have not made us any wiser.
I totally abhor what has happened to Manhattan and to America as a nation. I totally and unequivocally agree with the military attacks and trust the UK and US intelligence services that this is the nation responsible for this shocking atrocity. I was broken apart by the woman who voice-mailed her husband Shaun, and my heart and soul goes out to the US as a nation. But I do have a question. We in the UK have lived with terrorism from the IRA and others. Organisations in the US have helped finance these people. What is their comment now?
People are saying that the allied response is killing innocent individuals. This is true. But what those people must remember is that the Taleban have been making people's lives a misery since they took power. Even if you forget the atrocity of last month, you need only to see the suffering, torture and executions that so regularly take place in Afghanistan to realise that the Taleban can not stay in power. It is sad that it takes such a massive event as the bombing of the WTC to make us sit up and take notice of a brutal regime we have ignored for so long. If we do it out of revenge then so be it - at least it will bring an end to the atrocities that take place day in and day out in Afghanistan.
I am amazed at the number of "bleeding heart" liberal sentiments displayed on this board. It is clear to any decent minded person that the al-Qaeda network must be destroyed to prevent further atrocities like the horror we witnessed on 11th of September. As the Taleban have chosen to shelter bin Laden and his terror group they will have to be removed to get to the terrorists. Air strikes will remove the Taleban air force and command and control facilities, making the job of Allied ground troops getting into Afghanistan much less hazardous. Surely we want to minimise the risk to our troops as much as possible?
The best way we can help the Afghan people is to destroy the Taleban and help to rebuild Afghanistan as a Democratic country.
Thomas, New York, US
I truly feel sad that more innocent lives will probably be lost; however we must pursue these terrorists not just for the US, but for the world. It is encouraging to see so many countries united, as it does send a message to terrorists. Who knows where these mass murderers will strike next? They intentionally targeted and their goal was to kill as many innocent civilians as possible. Bin Laden in his taped message left little if any doubt of his role. The Afghan people have not faired well under Taleban rule either, with poverty and suffering. The US did try and get to Bin Laden through CIA operations but were unsuccessful.
I am quite surprised by some of the violent, even radical, anti- American/west emotions that I have heard expressed in Pakistan's drawing rooms since the Afghan attacks. The division between the moderate and the extremist appears to be getting thinner - Mr Bin Laden seems to be on course¿
I as a Hindu give my full support to the military strikes. Religion does not play a part in this war. Whether Christian or Muslim, all should want the world free from terrorism. It seems obvious that the Taleban and Bin Laden are pro-terrorism and are not willing to stand in a neutral court. Therefore seek-and-destroy missions are unavoidable. The UK and US have repeatedly stated that this is not a holy war but a war on terror. People should start getting this through their thick heads, and stop using faith as an excuse!
Javed Shaikh, Pakistan This will be the worst massacre in human history. No one on either side has the right to kill innocent people.
I'm all for the military action against the terrorists and those who harbour terrorists. I'm tired of people saying that military action is wrong. When they blew up our embassies we didn't retaliate, and in return for our inaction, they hit one of our ships in Yemen. Again, we didn't retaliate and now they've hit us at home. They demolished the WTC, damaged the pentagon and killed thousands of our civilians. Although the use of military action may produce some civilian casualties, it is necessary in order to protect our own civilians. It's not like the Afghan people haven't seen this coming since September 11. They have had almost a month to leave the area and that's a lot more of a warning than the people in the WTC and the pentagon received.
Mr Bush is right, members of the Taleban should be smoked out of their holes and each of them should be killed for forcing their people to live under these conditions and putting them at the centre of this crisis. The second reason for this is because they have now made the world suffer. America certainly does have patience in spite of it being a superpower and that should be respected.
It is not absolutely necessary to continue these strikes. Bin laden is a dangerous man and the US is putting the lives of all the civilians around the world at risk.
Tony, London, UK
I can understand the pain of American people. But that does not justify this attack on Afghanistan. The USA needed to responded to public pressure did. Let's face it. American people are misinformed. I bet very few knew much about the war in the Balkans or even had the intention of finding out. It was simply "far away". The same will happen in this war. I cannot believe the fairy tale that USA have no interests in the middle east and that all these actions are made for the common good.
If the attack on the WTC is considered a war on America, why shouldn't an attack on Afghanistan be considered an attack on the Muslim world?
We are deeply saddened by the deaths of innocent people in America at the hands of terrorists. Now, we are witnessing the deaths of innocent people in Afghanistan by the so-called civilized world. This is not the only solution to the problem. It is mindless revenge. This will only lead to endless violence and revenge. This civilized world is going to create hundreds of Osama Bin Ladens and will give rise to more fundamentalist groups all around the world.
Ivan, Croatia
There cannot be any justification for civilised countries bombing Afghanistan. This is a medieval throwback to the US and USSR during the cold war. I realise there needs to be action but letting the testosterone-fuelled macho men loose with their guns will only lead to tears. As always the innocent will suffer and rallying jingoistic cries will drown out the voices of sanity.
The strikes on Afghanistan were inevitable. To do nothing would be to render the actions of the September 11 as being in some way legitimate. However, it is surely a mistake to regard the US action as an attack on Islam, just as surely as it is divisive and immoral of Bin Laden and his supporters to use the Islamic religion to hide behind. Where in the holy teachings of Islam does it say that terrorism and mass genocide is justifiable?
Sadly I fear that once Bush has landed Bin Laden's head, the cost of sustained military operations against worldwide terrorism will cause a re-think both in the USA and the UK.
Air strikes should have been postponed until Yvonne Ridley was safely released.
How long can America continue to remain wilfully blind to the effects of her past and current foreign policy? And why does Britain not take the role of peacemaker? We should surely use our special relationship to act as the voice of reason rather than a weaker playground playmate that says yes to everything it is told to do.
Bush's speech put emphasis on the humanitarian mission as well as the bombing. I think we should be dropping only food and medical supplies. The Taleban are a small extremist group who have gained control of their country through terror. We should have armed the Afghan opposition and let them fight the battle whilst we dropped supplies to the people. This bombing doesn't change people's attitudes. It can only toughen the resolve of those who survive. Bombing like this will give Bin Laden the recruits he so desires.
Living in West London all my life I have already experienced several cases of terrorism on my doorstep. I do not look forward to the day when I receive a call from my husband who works in the NatWest Tower, informing me that he is about to be killed. I am sure many other people feel the same way. Unfortunately, I fear that although this disgusting man and all who support him should be punished and then removed from the world, our military attack may only make things worse.
Bombing is one thing, it may achieve some limited goals. However, will the United States and therefore the United Kingdom learn its long-term lesson? Will there be a reduction in the arms trade, a serious crack at ending some of the world's long-running disputes, will there be some semblance of justice for the Palestinians? How many more years will Iraqis have to live under sanctions whilst their leadership remains unaffected? There should be a serious attempt to understand not just the grievances of many peoples from the Islamic World but also those from areas of the world who do not benefit from the much heralded globalisation process.
The major fear of this war on terrorism is that there is not one specific enemy. If or when the Taleban and Osama Bin Laden are defeated, there will always be someone else, some other organisation and some other country. There seems no logical end to this war. The fear of retribution, counter attacks and further acts of terrorism on any nation within and without the newly formed coalition will always be there. Life has changed, and the intelligence forces, security forces and all round vigilance have got to be second to none.
Andrew, USA
War has never been the solution to any problem, I am afraid, that the USA's strike will increase the extremism in Muslim countries. Most of the people already consider USA's unjust policies as the root cause of terrorism. Some elements will use this strike to create a distance between religions and regions.
The free world has the right to protect and defend itself. Will we never learn from history that a policy of appeasement only encourages violence and war from those who are morally ruined?
Nearly a month has passed since the atrocities of September 11th. The Taleban have had more than enough time to do the right thing...the handing over of Bin Laden. Failing to do this has made them as despicable as him. I now fully support the attacks on military structures in Afghanistan.
Like most people in the world I hoped for a peaceful solution to this conflict, but the Taleban and Osama Bin Laden do not want peace, therefore war is inevitable. It is time for us to put an end to terrorism and live in a world without fear. The world should never see a day like September 11th again.
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