We want to know what you think of the US-led assault on the Iraqi city of Falluja.
Your comments:
It is more than clear to everybody that US Marines only fight someone after having called their aircraft to dump tons of bombs over their opponents' heads. There is a fundamental difference among soldiers who really fight an enemy face to face and soldiers who only attack when their opponents are already seriously injured or dead.
Marco Tullius, Bremen, Germany
To Marco Tullius, Bremen, Germany: The tactics of aerial bombardment have been in use by every country with an air force since the first World War. Do the terrorist fight face to face when they drive suicide car bombs into our checkpoints? The first rule of war is to kill your enemy before he kills you, whether that be by aerial bombardment or the use of armoured vehicles. Should the US be arming and equipping these terrorists as well just to make it fair? To make the world a safer place there terrorists need to be removed, and I for one fully support the US in this action.
Andy, Brighton, UK
I supported removing Saddam but the current action by US troops only serves to remind us that the Bush administration totally fails to understand that bombarding civilians will only add to problems.
Rod, UK
I am truly sorry for all that are involved. Unfortunately it was a necessary evil. It is time for the Iraqis to have a normal life, for the Iraqi children to go to school and celebrate holidays together. It is time for all the insurgents to put aside there differences and build a unified peaceful Iraq. It is also time for the children with mothers and fathers fighting in Iraq to feel their parents are safe when they go to sleep at night. It is time to put a stop to this mess!
Donna, Smithfield, USA
I fail to understand why world leaders are not more vociferous when it comes to protesting the latest effort at democratization by US forces in Falluja. If the US is allowed to continue this unjust and illegal war, world leaders should expect further erosion of their ability to affect and influence world affairs in the future.
Philip Pelletier, Hope, USA
This attack on Falluja may slow the insurgent hostility in this area, but for how long? When people return to the rubble (those that are alive), there will be only more hatred toward the American occupation! More Iraqis fed up with the devastation will rise up and fight. Come on people, get with reality here, these aren't all foreign fighters and terrorists, they are citizens who are sick of seeing death on their side.
Zach, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The so called war on terrorism will end like the war on drugs, a failure.
Kyu B, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Colonialism comes back. That's all. Stronger always oppresses the weaker. What should we discuss? That we like it or not?
Kamil S, Warsaw, Poland
We all know that the use of oppression only galvanizes resistance. Experience, history, will continue to demonstrate this truth.
David Stephen Ball-Romney, Seattle, USA
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These groups would rule an Iraq far worse than under Saddam
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The silent (and extremely frightened and intimidated) majority of Iraqis cannot flourish with the insurgent groups present. These groups would rule an Iraq far worse than under Saddam. The coalition needs to expel these groups. Any group that openly beheads civilians, just because of association with infidels cannot be good for Iraq and must disbanded or destroyed even.
Tony, Nashville, USA
Why is it that American governments create terrorists all the time? Ronald Reagan started it off in Afghanistan with the mujahideen (which led to Osama and the Taleban) and now Bush is doing it in Iraq. Maybe they need enemies to give their lives meaning?
JFM, London, UK
What's happening in Falluja today is not any bit different from the old historic occupations which took place in the past 1,000 years. I never thought foreign forces would claim to do any thing but establish freedom in the land of barbarism. Black Africa is still the end result of that proposed theory.
Samer Bashir, Gaza
If it were British troops we would be supporting them in carrying out their role because they are not there of their own making, they are soldiers. US troops are in the same position. The US Marines are going to sort out the type of scum that killed Ken Bigley. Let's hope they can do so without suffering many casualties whilst keeping innocent civilian casualties to a minimum.
Jim Kirk, Basildon, UK
The US government must learn from history. The Mongols attacked Iraq much the same way and plundered Baghdad, but to no avail. Until they realized the real way to entice the people of Iraq - build mosques and promote Islam. I am sure America will realize this eventually but the sad part is a lot of lives would have been lost by then.
Josh, Hershey, PA, USA
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Before those demonstrators were murdered, not a single bullet had been fired at US soldiers in Falluja
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Why is it that the media (including the BBC) is so keen to report on the insurgents and their ferocity without bothering to emphasise the reason for the current situation in Falluja in the first place - on 28 April 2003, US soldiers opened fire on parents and children demonstrating against the continued military occupation of their primary school. The US soldiers killed 18 of them in cold blood and injured more than 50 others. Before those demonstrators were murdered, not a single bullet had been fired at US soldiers in Falluja or any of the cities north of Baghdad.
Yet the fallacy prevails that insurgents are causing unrest for no good reason. The sooner the American people realise that they, along with our illustrious leader Mr Blair, are the only ones buying into the ridiculous oxymoronic concept of 'fighting for peace' the better. They should remember too that this tragedy is not just affecting the Iraqis - every US/Brit/other soldier who dies on this ill thought out campaign dies for nothing but the lies of their superiors.
Mark, London, UK
My husband is a US soldier with serious questions about the morality of what is being done. We are free to hear the comments of people from every country except one... Iraq. Where are the ordinary citizens of Iraq and what is it that they want the most now? We report on all the actions of the US, and hear the words of all the politicians, but to me, the ones who matter most are the Iraqis. They are strong people, and resilient, and I'm sure that after all the years under Saddam, and the occupation of the past two years, they have strong ideas about what they want. When does the world get to know what they want?
Monica Benderman, Ft Stewart, GA
Each day Bush seems to be becoming more like a terrorist himself, spreading his brand of democracy and peace. Only intelligence, patience and cunning defeats terrorism: these are qualities which Bush simply doesn't have and doesn't understand.
James Carter, UK
Anybody still in Falluja is either a terrorist or a civilian being held against their wishes. I fully support the assault as it shows the world the US and UK won't be scared off by thugs, we will bring democracy to the Middle East whether or not the weak wobbly liberals like it or not. This is just the beginning; Iran and Syria take note and change on your terms or ours.
Mike Pemberton, Cardiff, UK
After reading the comments on this page, I say to everybody who supports Allawi and the US army - you have closed minds if you think this will bring a free life for our people. Everything's going according to Sharon's opinion of the Middle East and George W Bush is the player - this is enough to say the result of Iraq crises will be worse than Vietnam.
Dawood S Alani, Baghdad, Iraq
Every day is an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past. Today, Tony and George could order a ceasefire. Tomorrow, they could tell the world there is no future in violence. The day after that, they could start pulling out of Iraq and we could all breathe a sigh of relief.
Alex, Brighton, England
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There is something very odd about the strategic thinking of the US Military
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There is something very odd about the strategic thinking of the US Military - First announce that you are going to attack the place where all the "most wanted" terrorists are and give them enough notice to allow them to flee. Then go in and blow the place to bits so that you can be assured of creating more "most wanted" terrorists. Maybe I'm stupid, but I don't get it.
Alan McDonald, UK
As I see the situation, the future of Iraq depends on the empowerment of the Iraqi people themselves. The fundamental power struggle raging in Falluja is one of life-style and life-choice. When a people suppressed by a totalitarian dictator encounter the new phenomenon of autonomy, ideally they should be able to choose their own fate. Militants who attempt to remove this choice through fear and violence must be removed for educated choices to be made. Unfortunately, innocent people die in the process.
Robert Williams, Hamburg, Germany
The US government need to call its citizens to arms. The draft should be implemented and a conscription army should go to Iraq, to show the people of Iraq that the American citizens truly believe they are fighting for democracy and freedom. And not just for petrol and a few subcontractors' business.
Eugenio, Paris, France
To all the US-bashers out there - the Coalition has kept out of Falluja since April to allow the Iraqis themselves to broker a peaceful settlement. In that time the beheadings and killing of their own (Iraqi) men, women and children have increased. Peace was given a chance, but the insurgents do not understand the word. Their continued violence just means that the US will have to stay longer.
Mark Watson, London, UK
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We should also be consulting veterans of Northern Ireland as this war is being fought in much the same way
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Now that we have made our bed, we must lie in it. Blair should not have sent troops in the first place. We must use this chance to take down as many of these rebel terrorist groups as possible. We should also be consulting veterans of Northern Ireland as this war is being fought in much the same way.
DM, Ayr
To DM, Ayr: This is nothing like the situation was in Northern Ireland. If the British government had adopted the tactics against the IRA that the US are using now in Falluja the war in Northern Ireland would have been over in a couple of weeks.
Andy, Belfast, UK
For those that support the offence, just sit back and think of all those civilians in town. US will take over the city only with the over-use of power, which shall raise civilian casualties. I doubt that their relatives will think twice before becoming freedom fighters against the US and the US-cooked Iraqi government. Wake up and see the world and freedom as it is not as the US government draws it for you!
Ahmad, Beirut, Lebanon
Clearly the American administration needs a course in conflict resolution. The Falluja assault is just another violent solution. They have lost all credibility as peacemakers on the world stage.
Philip Walker, Valence, France
The US will get control of Falluja with their superior firepower but, the resistance fighters will like all other resistance fighters in the world, continue to harass them and kill them until they leave the country.
Thomas Lowry, Cirencester, UK
I was, and still am, against the war, but there are only two options now - either pull out en masse, or finish the job - or try to. The only way to do that is to flatten Falluja. The rebel insurgents however, will be long gone, to fight another day in another place. Those who are left in Falluja will be the innocent civilians - correction, dead innocent civilians. You see it's a no-win situation whatever is done. Another fine mess. Reason why there should never have been a war in the first place. We never seem to learn from our history books, do we?
Ronald McKenzie, Aberdeen, Scotland
Robin Cook is quite right in his criticism of American and British tactics. How would the US and UK like to be invaded by foreigners and have their cities bombed to bits and civilians massacred? I fully expect the Iraqi insurgency to continue unabated until the invaders leave the country, and am surprised that Mr Bush and Mr Blair do not realise this.
Harry Irrgang, Warsaw, Poland
Falluja may not have any strategic position but it is being used by rebels and these people must be stopped. The leaders have long gone because they are cowards.
E Reade, Cardiff, UK
At the time of redeployment of British Black Watch troops one of the BBC correspondents proudly commented that a force that could neither be defeated by Napoleon nor Hitler would also prove its mettle facing the rag tag Iraqis. It certainly makes sense and I suggest, to save precious lives, the Americans be withdrawn and the British allowed to finish the job that should have been delegated to them in the first place.
Rashid N Siddiqui, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
American forces have set the blueprint for the whole population of the post-Saddam Iraq: if you're against American freedom/occupation the only way for you to live is to die.
Sergey M, St Petersburg, Russia
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Real success against insurgents will only come when basic needs and services are met
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I am not ashamed of being an American - I am just proud to be in the minority of US public opinion. The problem with military action in Falluja is that many insurgents will have simply left town before the fighting began, only to re-enter it after this latest sweep is completed. Real success against insurgents will only come when basic needs and services are met, not when elections are held.
Aaron Jones, Norman, OK, USA
What was the stated objective again?? Did we meet the objective?? What was the total cost? We should NOT have done this.
Rich Blake, Rogue River, Oregon, USA
Freedom isn't free, and if Iraq is going to have elections it must first control the streets of its cities. Falluja must fall in order for Iraq to live. The extremists have made a nest there and it must be exterminated. The new democracy must be helped to grow and take root.
Sean, Orlando, USA
It follows all of one of the big blunders. Even with the needless attack on Iraq, it was not needed to destroy the Iraqi structures. There was more chance of success by staying at some distance and executing pressure, than by taking over the society and trying to force western democracy. And by starting to fight again and showing its weaknesses. Also now there must be a way to stay at a distance and work with existing structures. And use locally elected or otherwise chosen people as much as possible. But if you like to act as the terminator...
Jan Feytens, Antwerp, Belgium
So, how many more deaths will it take for the Bush supporters to admit that the war is wrong? When does "collateral damage" become real, irreparable, unforgivable damage? A thousand, hundred thousand, million? NEVER?
Ami, Charlottesville, VA
I think once we take control of Falluja we must leave Iraqi peace keepers on every block to keep control of the territory.
Frank Raggio, Glassboro, NJ, USA
Why are the Americans attacking a city which has no strategic purpose? It will return to the anti-Americans the moment they leave.
Geoff Smith, Wales
So this is the operation that the Black Watch moved north to support - how many innocent civilians are dying in Falluja right now, while we have this discussion? Nothing can justify this. Tony Blair truly makes me ashamed to be British.
Ross, Edinburgh
Who cares about the elections in Iraq. Is it worth dying and killing for? Violence begets violence...end of story!
Susan L. Hoxie, Colorado Springs, CO USA
Typical American way of solving things. As an Arab I know that this attack on Falluja will only create more hate and anger. I've even met Americans who said that they are ashamed of being Americans.
Asem, Leicester, UK
Tragic that it has to come to this but the US could not afford to let these terrorists remain at large. Extremism must be confronted before elections could take place. I applaud the US and the Iraqi Government for this decisive action.
Chris S, Oxford
Why does the US government always use such heavy-handed military tactics? Have they learnt nothing from their previous sorties into Korea or Vietnam? If they want the role of 'policing' the world then act like policemen not playground bullies. As an Englishman, I'm embarrassed to be part of the 'coalition'. Blair and Bush need to seriously consider their actions and reassess their aggressive and intolerant foreign policies.
James Jackman, London, England
The light resistance so far encountered in Falluja probably just confirms that the real insurgents fled after successfully luring us in - we certainly gave them enough time and warning. This is by no means the end - and will probably not even be decisive in any way. To think that we're finally getting rid of the beheaders and thugs is just more self-delusion.
Scott Williams, Atlanta, USA
It's about time that the US/Iraqis dealt with the influx of suicide bombers and religious zealots who are seeping into Iraq to die as "martyrs". These misguided and death-seeking crazies must be killed before they kill more innocents. The so-called Left really don't get what's happening in Iraq at all. It's really a case of crazy Islamists/Baathists versus the Iraqi people. As an Iraqi I hope we can clear Iraq of this evil vermin without delay.
Ibrahim Al-Shammar, Scotland
Falluja and any other city that harbours terrorist need to be dealt with so that Iraq can move forward. Outsiders are trying to determine the destiny of the Iraqi people and they will be stopped. No-one ever said it would be easy but we must give the Iraqi people a chance for a better life.
George, Layton USA
I think the US action in Falluja is justified and would bring some measure of sanity after the assault.
Andrew Ihedi Umezuruike, Bamenda, Cameroon
From BBCArabic.com: Falluja today is becoming the voice of freedom, justice and sacrifice in Iraq, as the south of Iraq was once, when it stood in the face of the tyrant Saddam Hussein.
Mohamed, Nasiriya, southern Iraq
From BBCArabic.com:I blame Dr Allawi for waiting this long to take this decision. But we are with Dr Allawi in his efforts to get rid of these criminals.
Uthman Deleemi, Ramadi, Iraq
From BBCArabic.com: Imposing martial law is the right step to stabilise Iraq. The battles in Falluja are fought against foreign terrorists and insurgents.
Maher Abbas, Baghdad, Iraq
From BBCArabic.com:Iyad Allawi is not the decision maker. The Iraqi people are our family and they have every right to resist. Let's put an end to the distortion of the picture of the heroes in Falluja and all the resistance.
Luay, Baghdad, Iraq
I appreciate the posting by those in Iraq. Thank you. When fighting ends in Iraq, the US and coalition forces will leave a democratically elected government to represent all Iraqis. The US will leave and reconstruction, aid and trade will follow, to the benefit of all Iraqis, not just a privileged few.
Dave Richmond, Michigan, USA
The US military has absolutely no idea of who or what they are fighting. As in Vietnam, they are completely unprepared for the dynamics of insurgency warfare. Therefore, they are falling back into the mindset of Vietnam where their motto was "kill them all and let God sort them out". The US may win the battle of Falluja in the short term, but in the long term, they are creating a rallying point for a war that will last a very long time.
Darby Hicks, Chicago, IL, USA
Having just read the report from Fadhil Badrani in Falluja I just cannot understand why anyone could think that this was justified. We just do not seem to grasp the fact that the Iraqi people want the Americans to leave them to govern themselves. Now that so much of their country is in ruins it would be hard to leave but what seems to be the alternative is to go from town to town wrecking the whole place. You cannot bomb people from the skies indiscriminately to "take out some terrorists" and be sure you are not killing innocents.
Juliet, UK
The battle for Falluja is not going to be easy, so was the battle the UN forces were faced with in Sierra Leone for Freetown. For the US and Iraqis to win the battle for Falluja they must get the innocent civilians to stay indoors so that they can be separated from the terrorists out to fight. It is the right action as that will win the city back for good.
Adrian Wright, Freetown, Sierra Leone
There is no alternative to what the US Army is doing in Falluja. The city must be pacified. For months now those murderers and terrorist operating out of that cursed city have been kidnapping bombing and killing thousands of innocent ordinary Iraqis. It is surprising how people in the West have such a narrow viewpoint on this matter. These murderers bomb our schools and kill our innocent children, whilst the coalition is trying its best to build and help us move forward. It is not the coalition to blame it is not they who plot and plan these attacks.
A A Ali, Baghdad, Iraq
I think the United Nations should step in and stop this attack if they can. It is only going to become a slaughter. I voted for Bush because I don't think Kerry has the brains or guts to be a very good leader, but I also believe this war in Iraq is getting out of hand and is going to lead the Muslims in the world to declare a Holy War worldwide. Someone needs to put a stop to this.
Cathy, Houston, Texas, USA
Annan is right, stop fighting Iraqis! Give them a lesson on freedom and democracy, grab a shovel and help the ordinary people in Falluja rebuild their homes.
Peter, Galanta, Slovakia
The assault on Falluja will be no more successful in defeating the insurgents than US operations in Vietnam were at defeating the Vietcong. The insurgents will have probably fled or got themselves undercover before the battle starts. We can expect them to regroup and resume their fight afterwards. The destruction of Falluja will serve only to alienate the Iraqis even further from the US, which is precisely what the insurgents want.
Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, The Netherlands
A single attack in Falluja has no major impact. The irreversible damage was inflicted on Iraqi population and opinions by the first illegitimate decision to attack a sovereign country that at that time at least posed no danger to nobody except possibly to its own population. The Falluja-style attacks will only worsen the disaster. Especially as they have to be followed by similar operations in many other cities in the future. That is obvious.
Mikko Toivonen, Helsinki, Finland
I cannot help but laugh at the "bleeding hearts" who "cry" over the deaths of ruthless, blood thirsty terrorists. Most of these ignorant people seem to admire their tactics and approve of them. I am sure that the hate that is directed at the US government is, to an extent, justified. That however does not justify the brutal "beheadings" and mistreatment of people who are attempting to help the Iraqi people. I just hope that the US does a complete "cleaning" of those terrorists, and not just a half job that would require future involvement. Any future involvement could become a world wide religious war.
K, Nietzschmann, Canada
To Jeff Aragon, Denver: I read your comments with dismay. Not only does the USA's administration consider itself a "morally superior" one which does not negotiate with terrorists, it does not negotiate with anyone else either. Ignoring United Nation mandates, they waged an illegal war in the name of "democracy". Doesn't anyone else spot the irony here?
Jake, UK
For all those in the 'we just have to get the job done' camp - you're missing the point about the likely effects of these particular tactics, which will clearly be counterproductive. I don't know if you people have very short memories but the US/UK leadership have been telling us for months, almost years now, about how this or that military victory has been achieved in Iraq. I'm just waiting for the moment when they tell us they've just captured Baghdad Airport again for the 15th time!
William, London, UK
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. (Edmund Burke)" We cannot allow terrorists to win, for if we do, we will become victims too.
Anthony Hawke, Crawley, England
I think this a good move. Whatever you views on the war, the Americans cannot just leave now. In any case, how on earth did the Americans allow Falluja to become a stronghold in the first place? They must take it back at once and get rid of the type of people who think it's OK to cut civilians heads off.
Alex, UK
Good luck to the US troops in Falluja. They are doing a job that the rest of the civilised world should be doing... if they only had the guts.
Ignacio M, Tolox, Malaga, Spain
The US army is admitting that in Falluja the civilians outnumber the so-called insurgents by 10-1. When the rest of the people return to their city and see what Uncle Sam has made of it, the insurgents will outnumber the US military by 10-1. Still, they'll all die for their God and country. Mr Bush won't be taking such risks.
Austin, Scotland
It certainly alienates me. Amazing bravery of the resistance fighting overwhelming odds. Can it be that Allawi hopes that enough patriotic Iraqis will be killed to enable him and his fellow quislings to be fairly elected?
Neil Davies, Miami, USA
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Things will get worse and that the Iraqi government knows that
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From BBCArabic.com:How can Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi declare martial law when he cannot protect members of his own government? And what state of emergency? What laws can he implement? Did he do anything when the Abu Ghraib scandal happened?
Ahmed As-Sumaidae, Baghdad, Iraq
From BBCArabic.com: The decision of Dr Allawi is the right one, but it came a bit late. We all know that all suicide bombings in Iraq are linked to Falluja.
Muwaffaq, Iraq
From BBCArabic.com: I do not think that this is the right solution to solving the crisis of Iraq; I think that things will get worse and the Iraqi government knows that. Peaceful solutions are the best solutions.
Ali Ash, Shamel, Iraq
Attacking Falluja will increase the determination of the resistance over the long term. Seeds are being sown now that will return violence in kind later.
Nicholas, Glastonbury, UK
This assault on Falluja is so cruel and disgusting. More and more now the American policy is hated. I don't say the American people because I am sure that most of them agree with me.
Fadia Lotfi, Cairo, Egypt
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This isn't about democracy - it's about domination
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I read some of the comments on this page that describe the resistance as terrorists and cowards. I say the only terrorists and cowards are those that commit mass murder with some of the most advanced weaponry on earth against an under armed, yet brave and determined resistance that refuses to bow down to the arrogance of the US war machine. Iraq is being raped of its resources and her people killed to satisfy one man's bloodlust - this isn't about democracy - it's about domination. I pray for the resistance and the people of Iraq against the occupiers.
Muhammad, Iraq
I cannot comprehend why Allawi thinks that attacking Falluja will help bring democracy to Iraq. Surely the US bombarding the city and its innocent civilians will only strengthen support for the insurgents and further set back the prospect of elections.
Ben Scholey, Leeds, UK
War is stupid. We all know this but to end it you need to win and you must do everything in your power to do so. Good luck to our boys!
Nathan, Manchester, England
It is always the innocent that gets hurt. Children, women and peaceful men. We will soon be looking at pictures of these groups bleeding and suffering on our TVs. The world needs to get this war over quickly. If we support the US and the coalition by sending more troops to deal with these problems democracy can be implemented quickly. This should be the world's aim today.
Morgan Slade, Medway, Britain
Had Falluja been taken months ago we might not have had to witness the spate of kidnappings and execution of innocent aid workers and the death of innocent Iraqi civilians from insurgent attacks. This assault will not win the war but is a definite step in the right direction.
Garry Pierce, Stockholm, Sweden
Was not the war in Iraq won and hostilities formally ended a long time ago? Or has truth and reality somehow escaped the coalition of the willing. No Weapons of Mass Destruction; no end of hostilities; what is next? And the poor Iraqis get trampled on...
Cedric, Seychelles
This war has to stop, what will the children there remember? Will it haunt them like it haunts the soldiers there?
Odessa, Milton Keynes
This assault and what is coming is the best and most useful that the human being has ever seen. It surely proves that the big powers are doing their utmost for the benefit of the weakest peoples.
Nabil Abdel Ahad, Cairo, Egypt
The Falluja offensive is unwinnable because the soldiers are not fighting a particular group, but an ideology that is not bound by regional and national boarders. Attacking an area with such a large civilian population may simply strengthen the terrorists' and rebels' resolve, and gain them support as the defenders of the people.
William, Britain
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Without an assault on Falluja, Iraq can never be safe
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Without an assault on Falluja, Iraq can never be safe. Without a doubt the Americans will eventually gain control of the city. Let's all hope this is the beginning of the end of the terrorist campaign.
Richard, Montreal
If America had been invaded by a foreign power and they took up arms to defend themselves would they be described as insurgents? I think not. So to the freedom fighters of Falluja I say fight on, you are not alone.
Jack, South Africa
I commend your brave reporter, Paul Wood, for following the Americans into Falluja and bringing us news on this crisis. However, I note with no little disgust that his reporting is "Subject to military restrictions". I assume these are American Military restrictions, rather than British ones, as he is accompanying US troops. What, then, is the point of him being there? I want to know the truth about what's happening in Falluja - not the truth as officially approved by the US military.
Chris, London, UK
To Chris, London: The restrictions are placed on reporters for very good reasons. I personally believe that the involvement of the world media has played a detrimental part in how this conflict has gone. The people our lads are fighting can only benefit from 100% accurate: "We are here, and we're going to do this tomorrow, and we've lost 10 men so far" reporting on our part.
Tim, Derby
I pray in Jesus' name that our Iraqi, English, US and other brave troops will be successful in rooting these people out with minimum casualties to our troops and the civilians these murderers are hiding behind, so that the 80% of Iraqi people who want an election can have it safely.
Steven McDaniel, Sand Springs, OK, USA
It is good to see firm action being taken. We must destroy the city in order to save it.
Derick, Falkirk, Scotland
The behaviour of the US has now sickened people so much that an increasing proportion of this world is now hoping that they get obliterated in Falluja. Congratulations Mr Bush - here's to another four years of you and your administrations' moronic and deluded missions of God.
Tom, London
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One thing is certain, they may win Falluja but they will not convince the Muslim world of their intentions
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Perhaps we will find Zarqawi or will it be similar to the case of WMD? Many people have said Zarqawi died two years ago. It seems the US always has to have an enemy to fool the world of their barbaric actions. However one thing is certain, they may win Falluja but they will not convince the Muslim world of their intentions.
Salim, Manchester
What alternative is there? How else will the interim Iraqi government and the Americans dislodge insurgents from Falluja?
Simon, London, UK
Why does the US always attack a Muslim country in the holy month of Ramadan?
Riaz, Mumbai, India
Falluja, to the educated, has been known for years as a particularly devout city; people call it the City of a Thousand Mosques. In the mid 90s, when Saddam wanted his name to be added to the call to prayer, the imams of Falluja refused. Just think about that. They refused to bow to Saddam. This isn't just a few insurgents. They wouldn't bow to Saddam, so why on earth would they bow to the Americans?
Anon, UK
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The excuse of spreading democracy and freedom is no different to the nonsense that was the white man's burden
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This attack reminds me of the colonial wars of the past. A nation brainwashed into supporting a war in a far off land that little is known of for the benefit of only a select few. The excuse of spreading democracy and freedom is no different to the nonsense that was the white man's burden.
Edward, Washington, DC
I cannot begin to understand the meaning behind enforced democracy. This is what comes to mind when I think of Falluja. It's so contradictory. I am praying for all the Muslim people in Falluja in this holy month.
Su'ad Ibrahim, London
A war to rid Iraq of WMD that never existed. Now a war to rid Iraq of terrorists who did not exist previously. How many innocent Iraqis must be sacrificed before we clearly tell our leaders to stop their absurd wars and leave a region to heal its wounds?
Chris Davis, Hebden Bridge, UK
The US is going to win this Falluja battle but definitely not the broader Iraq war. The Iraq war is quite simply unwinnable.
Venkat Maruthamuthu, Urbana, IL, USA
I think this is very necessary. Every day that the rebels hold out, more people support them, as they see the rebels winning against the US. Not only would putting these people down slow the recruitment of new terrorists, but they may get rid of many already existing ones. Also, the Iraqi people need to know that the US will be tough on terrorists, and not let them run riot over Iraq.
Jack Harman, London, UK
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Remember it is also a city of 300,000 civilians
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Falluja may be a 'rebel stronghold' but I just hope those commanding this attack remember it is also a city of 300,000 civilians.
Frank, Bristol, UK
The pictures of the innocents caught up in this are awful. Let us hope and pray that this offensive is speedy, decisive and with as little civilian bloodshed as possible.
Andrew, Oakham, UK
An invading force cannot beat a guerrilla army. There are 50,000+ civilians in Falluja and for every man, woman or child killed by the US, there will be another "insurgent" ready to kill US soldiers. No wonder the Sudanese government feels free to do what it likes when it sees the "leader of the civilised world" acting in exactly the same manner.
Vish, UK
I am beside myself with disgust for Bush/big/business/oil and of course the hubris of our foreign policy. I sent Bush an email regarding the war and today's events. I said "God forgive you!" I am an American, I love my country and our foreign policy is killing us!
M Measom, San Diego, US
The coalition was poised to enter the city earlier this year but chose to negotiate a ceasefire instead by agreeing to let the people police themselves with the supervision of the Iraqi police force. But this has failed to keep Falluja from becoming an hornets nest for insurgents and the problem has gotten worse. So now it is difficult to see what other options there are except to use force.
Matt. B, US
I am an Englishman and my thoughts and prayers are more so with the resistance in Iraq who have every right to go against the occupying forces. You cannot invade a country, destroy the society, kill fellow countrymen, claim to know what's best based on a set of repeated hunches and lies. The proud Christian in the White House needs to question what side Jesus would have taken here.
Derek Jones, Bolton, England
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Despite my opposition to the war, I hope the operation is a success with minimal casualties
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The current US administration seems to be obsessed with showing its strength and power as equivalent to right, even if it is not the message that will be understood by the average Iraqi. I have to admit, I am actually rooting for the 'insurgents'.
Mark Smith, Buffalo, NY USA
How dare any American say they are rooting for the 'insurgents'? This comment defines treason. We should all hope for the safety of our troops, in any situation.
Travis, California, USA
What I find shocking and depressing is the speed at which people begin to accept mounting casualties. There was a rail crash in England at the weekend and we are all shocked by the loss of life. When it comes to military operations, people just seem to switch off. How many thousands of deaths are acceptable? In my opinion, none.
Neil Walker, Bristol, UK
My prayers are with the Marines and Iraqis who are clearing the town for a better Iraq. Despite my opposition to the war in the first place, I hope the operation is a success with minimal casualties. Good luck, keep the faith.
Andrew, Los Angeles, USA
The best example how the US Army succeeded in pacifying a city is Samara. The rebels left after the US attacked the city and came later back to kill dozens of civilians and the same thing will happen in Falluja as well. It will alienate the civilian population further from the US forces and increase rebel insurgents all over the country.
Emmanuel, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The coalition and the Iraqi forces are going to give the Fallujan terrorists what they have been asking for a long time - martyrdom.
Walter, Sri Lanka
While this exercise may be deemed an inevitable part of events - and I certainly see the pros and cons on both sides of this conflict - one thing stands out. This town has all the ingredients of a small Stalingrad street fighting scenario - it will be prolonged and extract very heavy casualties on both sides.
Brendan, Providence, RI, USA
Nothing but more hatred of the USA; Saddam and his sons' raping and pillaging of Iraq for decades, I suppose, is just too far from your memories to seem a reality. Unlike your "intellectually superior" countries, the USA will not repeat the mistakes of history and appease or negotiate with terrorists. If you don't like what's happening, how about getting involved with the solution instead of sitting by and complaining? Or perhaps if you hate the USA as much as your comments indicate, you could simply join in with the terrorists.
Jeff Aragon, Denver, USA
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I am surprised how locals are coping against this aggression
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Falluja is under siege for months and is being bombed for weeks. Honestly I am surprised how locals are coping against this aggression. I fail to understand how this operation will contribute towards peace in a torn and now a run down country?
Ali Raza, London, UK
May god be on the side of our brave Iraqi soldiers as they try to clean up Falluja of those barbarians. I just can't stand the hypocrisy of many Arabs in countries neighbouring Iraq. Why didn't they speak out when Saddam was committing mass murders against his people? I know very well that they all fear the establishment of a stable democratic Iraq because it may lead to the downfall of their dictatorships. Deep inside their hearts, they wish that Iraq will burn from north to south so that their regimes last and some of them wish the same for pure sectarian reasons.
Mohammad Al Zubaidy, Glasgow, UK
This war should never had begun in the first place. But, once it has, let's hope the Marines are allowed to do their job properly now and finish it quickly, before more misery is spread.
Ricardo, Brazil
Cowardly? Unnecessary? Excessive? Come on people, get real! I did not vote for Bush, and did not support the launch of this war; however, now that we are in it, we must win it. That's not going to happen without conquering Falluja. If you think they will stop fuelling the insurgency if we just leave them alone, then you are painfully naive and ignoring recent history. The US knows we must attack, the Iraqis know it and you should admit it.
Dan Murray, Boston, USA
The innocent Iraqis will suffer more than the occupation forces or the insurgents. Another human catastrophe is just round the corner if the attack on Falluja goes ahead as planned. Last ditch efforts must be made to avert the bloodshed of innocent, which will certainly be not at the small scale this time and an escalation in violence seems the only result.
Ihtesham Kayani, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Its about time that Allawi authorised the clearing out of this city. It's crazy for a city of 300,000 people to be held hostage by a few thousand Arab, ex-Baathist and Sunni sectarian fighters. From the blogs I read, most Iraqis have no sympathy for these fanatics and most of the innocent inhabitants of Falluja have already left.
May, Poole, UK
I want to see our 'courageous' politicians and their children fighting alongside our young troops who are so expendable to them.
Maria, San Diego USA
Hope and pray it is a success - that the foreign and home-grown pan-Islamist militancy is suppressed without hurting the civilian population. Hope, too, that history does not repeat in Falluja - the insurgents quietly slipping away and starting another front elsewhere. Hope, too, that the administration has an alternate strategy, military and political, if things don't go as expected.
T Ramakrishnan, New Orleans, LA, USA
It's about time the Marines are able to move on Falluja. These insurgents are not freedom fighters, they want to control of the people in Iraq. Why else would they kill and fight the Iraqi police force. Good luck Marines, you're in our prayers.
Bridget, Chicago, IL, USA
This was sadly the inevitable conclusion, but the Allies simply have to prevail in Falluja. These rebels are not fighting for the new Iraq, they are fighting because they fear losing the old one. They are frightened of liberty and equality and peace, because it takes away the fear and hatred that they have used to rule Iraq for so long. They simple have to be crushed if Iraq has any chance of a better future.
Tim, Manchester, UK
It's interesting that the offensive started after Bush won the election. Read into that what you will.
Nick Moscato, Boston, MA US
Falluja should have been cleaned out months ago, how can the war be declared over when soldiers and innocent civilians are still dying? I pray success for the soldiers and the people of Falluja and Iraq as a whole.
Jorge, Allen, Texas
Finally, Falluja is being addressed. Where was the uproar while the insurgents were beating, raping and murdering innocent civilians there? What most people don't realise is that these insurgents treat the Iraqis worse than any other party in this war.
Andrea, NY, USA
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Very little has been done to send medicine to the hospitals or help the civilians of Falluja
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Falluja must be cleared of terrorists and insurgents before the election. The long suffering people of Falluja must take part in the coming election - even if the coalition and the Iraqi Interim Government do not like their democratic choice after the election. The terrorists are not against the occupation - they are against Iraq forming a viable democracy and will do whatever it takes to stop it happening.
Roger, Whitwick, England
I can never tell the outcome of such offensive, but I know very little has been done to send medicine to the hospitals or help the civilians of Falluja, this little regard to Arab lives by the occupation forces should not be tolerated by the Arabs or the UN.
Ahmad Hmoud, Jordan
I think the USA is about to spend the next 30 years learning what the British Army has already learnt from Northern Ireland; namely that force only feeds terrorism.
David Hazel, Fareham, UK
The US must ensure that innocent people shall not be hurt due to this attack. We must find some intermediate solution to kill the terrorists, not mobilising a mass attack in civilized areas.
Dharmesh, Mumbai - India
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This attack will bring nothing but more destruction
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If they hadn't messed it up a year ago, all of this would not be necessary. A success seems doubtful to me and a few thousand extra dead will probably not endear them to the Iraqis. Extinguishing a fire with a flamethrower? Technically possible but the results aren't pretty.
Hartmut, Berlin, Germany
I wonder why an insurgent would stay to be killed and not hide by mixing in with the 300,000 people who have been turned into refugees. And what is to become of these refugees? Secondly, if Allawi can not broker a deal why isn't the UN or other neutral third party called in to try?
John, Alaska, USA
I don't think anyone here, including me, can make any value judgements as to the actions of the 'rebels' in actually standing up to America until we have had foreign troops swarming our countries. Perhaps it is irrational, but if you create destruction and chaos then other people will reciprocate. This attack will bring nothing but more destruction. The US need to start communicating with those holding Falluja before they blow them to pieces and simplify things by calling them 'terrorists' and 'evil people'.
Evan, Edinburgh, UK
What is the point when the Americans gave the insurgents so much warning they were going to do this that most of them have left already? It's a bit ironic having the most powerful military in the world when it is run by incompetents?
Nik, Reading, UK
It's about time! How can the majority of the people of Iraq have peace with a minority of terror running amok in their society?
Jack Bradley, Collegeville, PA USA
The American assault on Falluja will fail. The Iraqi resistance are not stupid and they would have to be idiots to choose to fight US tanks with assault rifles and RPGs. The civilians deaths will make Falluja a victory for the resistance, winning them many recruits for little loss.
John, Hemel Hempstead, UK
I think it is about time that Falluja got taken care of! I believe it will be successful and am sorry if it alienates the Iraqi people. We need to concentrate on the lives of our soldiers... that has to be our top priority back here in the States.
Susan Rothfuss, Woodbridge, USA
Iraqi elections will only take place once these insurgents and terrorists are denied refuges like Falluja. I hope US forces will drive these people out. The intervention by Kofi Annan is another example of how out of touch with reality the UN is. The insurgents of Falluja are not interested in dialogue, and they are the biggest obstacle to democracy in Iraq. They do not deserve any sympathy.
John, Shrewsbury, England
If the Americans swot the rebels at Falluja, they will just pop up with many more somewhere else. The Americans haven't realised yet what the British learnt in Palestine, Cyprus, Aden, Malaya, Kenya and latterly Northern Ireland - you don't conquer terrorism with a conventional army with tanks, planes and guns, you beat them in a more subtle way or withdraw gracefully. For every rebel killed, there will be a vengeful brother, cousin or friend just waiting to pick up his weapon. When will they ever learn?
Alan, Oxfordshire England
This has to be done, in order to root out the fascists utilising the city as a base of operations. Remember that these fascists' only wish is to so destabilise Iraq so that a Saddam style Baathist dictatorship or a hard line Islamic theocracy is a seen as a preferable alternative.
Paul, Kent, UK
The fact is that the people of Falluja will suffer regardless if they are militants or civilians. We all read how much preparation has been made by US troops in military hardware but has anyone taken the time to make preparations for the civilians fleeing the city? Where will this people go if they flee? What about with food the residents or giving medicine to the hospitals? Does anyone though what they are going to do after they invade the city or is US going to repeat the mistake of invading without any plan on what they will do after that?
Aristotelis K, Athens Greece
To Louis from Lisbon: The foot invaders armed with the most destructive, modern weapons in the world do not send suicide bombers to kill innocent Iraqis or hide in mosques and fire at others. Liberating Falluja means sending a very strong message to all trouble makers in Iraq. It means that Iraq can have free and fair elections and that the 'invaders' can leave early. I am all for it.
Bernard Solomon, Mumbai, India
The real insurgents will have left. To destroy a city is easy if your America - but you will not alter the will of the people through violence. It actually proves the case for resistance. America should try to win the hearts and minds of people, not be the world's bully boy!
Jack, Essex, UK
The assault should never have been postponed in the first place - it only allowed for more beheadings of innocent people.
Mark, AZ, USA
Americans are not just bombing and killing the extremist, they are mainly killing the innocents. People are paying the price for not accepting the US occupation. It's their land, their city and their country and get killed for defending it, it has nothing to do with terrorism. On the other hand, the liberation of Falluja to Americans mean getting ride of its people and destroying the city by bombs.
Reza, Leicester, UK
You alienate the Iraqi people, of course. This is what happens when you occupy another country; things escalate.
Per Danbo, Copenhagen, Denmark
The assault on Falluja will not counter insurgents. It will just cause more bloodshed and create more insurgents desperate to fight for family members who have passed away as a result. How can you call this freedom when Iraqis are being told to leave their houses and cities or face being blown up by coalition raids?
Mehdi Hamoodi, Manchester, UK
Annan's words of wisdom will come to haunt the US in the next few days. Expect to see a continued alliance of Shia and Sunni resistance fighters working together against the occupying forces. Expect too, to see further escalations in Samara and other Sunni strongholds where US troops numbers are insufficient to ensure security. The simplistic argument that Falluja has to be taken is to overlook the big picture: the US doesn't have enough troops to ensure security for the planned elections.
John Farmer, Henley-on-Thames, UK
As long as the troops reach their objective of clearing out the so-called insurgents (of whom many are non-Iraqi) then the Iraqi people will not be alienated. I back this assault as long as it means that our British Troops can leave Iraq early in a plane or ship and not in body bags.
Mark, Romford, England
Good luck to the US forces and the Iraqi National Guard. Finish what you were prevented from doing in April. For too long has this city festered, time to reclaim it for the free Iraqi people.
Gordon McStraun, UK
This attack on Falluja is one of the most cowardly acts that I have memory of. Light armoured people defending their city and their way of life against the planes, then the helicopters, then the tanks with the helicopters then the foot invaders armed with the most destructive, modern weapons in the world.
Luis, Lisboa, Portugal
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~20~RS~)
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