Kirk voices terrorism fears

The report highlighted a breakdown in law and order in Iraq

The war in Iraq has strongly increased the likelihood of international terrorism, according to a report from an influential Church of Scotland committee.

The document from the Kirk's church and nation committee condemns the use of bombs near civilian areas and calls on the UK Government to increase humanitarian aid.

The committee says that the courage and bravery of the British forces who fought in the war, and their families, should be recognised.

But the report says it is important to question what it being done in "our name".

"The suspicion continues in the minds of many that we are witnessing the beginning of a long-term process whereby under the rubric of a 'war on terrorism' a war of military and economic subjugation is pursued," it says.

Extremist groups

The report will be considered by the General Assembly, which begins at the end of this week.

The committee argues that the war has given terrorists and extremist groups the perfect excuse to take revenge.

"It is impossible to predict what has been unleashed in Iraq and whether it will be possible to create a stable, democratic nation," according to committee members.

The report criticises what it calls the lack of planning and foresight in dealing with the human crisis and the breakdown in law and order which followed the toppling of Saddam Hussein.

Church members, like all citizens, are responsible for what is done in their name

Committee report

It condemns the use of cluster bombs, depleted uranium shells and the bombing of targets near civilian areas.

And the committee claims that any post-war occupation of Iraq without a UN mandate would be illegal.

The report concludes: "In Scotland, as in countries all over the world, people of all faiths have been awakened to the dangers of seeking to solve every problem by military might.

"Church members, like all citizens, are responsible for what is done in their name and are not in a position to wash their hands of the consequences.

"They have joined their voices to millions of others around the world; voices which insist war is not the only answer, that there are alternatives and that international institutions need our active support.

"It is now urgent that these voices be heard."