Those who complain that the invasion of Iraq exposed us all to more immediate danger seem to be missing an important historical point. When Germany invaded Poland there was no direct threat to this country. How many British lives were lost because we declared war? We didn't end up helping Poland; nor did we do anything about the Russians who invaded Poland at the same time as Germany - so clearly British policy was inconsistent, perhaps even muddled. But does anyone suggest now that we were wrong to stand up to Hitler then? Peter Ryder, Middlewich

I agree wholeheartedly with the conclusions of this report. Britain's involvement in Iraq has played into the hands of al-Qaeda, and the war on terror is being fought in a way that serves only to create new terrorists. The only way for Britain to beat terror is to follow international law, and campaign tirelessly for the end of occupation of each any every nation that continues to be occupied. Only then with the overt pursuit of justice for all people, including the arab world, can we hope to see peace in our lifetimes - the unjust war on Iraq, and Blair's decision to take us there, has put every British civilian in more danger. Imran Yusef, Wilmslow

The Government says that there is no link between the London bombings and the Iraq war because the threat was there before 9/11. This seems to be based on the assumption that the terrorist threat comes from a fixed group of "evil-doers" bent on destroying Western values. The facts of the London outrages suggests otherwise – what the government has achieved by its policy on Iraq is to recruit a completely new generation of terrorists, educated and working in our own community. There is the capability of evil within us all, but although it's difficult to understand this degree of madness, it appears that these men had such a deep sense of injustice at UK policy combined with fanatical religious beliefs that they have turned on their own country. The Government's simplistic analysis is simply wrong. Guy Merrick, Maldon

I can't see how the war on Iraq has anything to do with the increased terror risk - extremists, and thats what they are, extremists, have one intention and one intention alone - this is to cause as much damage and invoke as much hatred as possible for their cause - whatever that may be. The tension built up over the years had to break at some point, it just so happenned that America got involved. This, in my opinion, was the oversight, as brute force and anti islamic propaganda spread. We, the British, had a small part to play at the hands of the great puppetier Bush. Terrorism has always been in existence, but not as hard or as fast as today - the old word communication is the key to all the insurgants plans, they are invisible in the soft British sands of politics and morals. JB, Bristol

How can one not accept the findings of a truly independent research organisation when they say that there can be "no doubt" that the involvement of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan enhanced propaganda, recruitment and fund-raising for al-Qaeda and made Britain a more likely target for terrorists? Doesn't this confirm the conclusions of the intellegence services in their assessment of the situation prior to the involvement in Iraq ? No amount of denial will exonerate the government and in particular Mr. Blair from their responsibility for the thousands of lives which have been lost as a result of their actions. It is particularily sickening to observe the public demonstration of grief by Blair and others for the London terror victims in the absence of even a token gesture towards the families of the hundreds of innocent people being slaughtered every day in Iraq and elsewhere. Perhaps we should stop the traffic across the country for two minutes each and every day until this madness stops? David Reynolds, Selby

Whilst I believe the UK's involvement in Iraq further draws the ire of radical Islamic facists, I don't believe the fading of the UK to the background would save it either. In the case of al-Qaeda, their main objection is the presence of Western troops in the Arabian Peninsula. The UK, as a responsible and important member of the civilized world, has played its part in the maintenance of world order - a role that is probably appreciated in the Middle East more than is realised. There have been Al Queda bombings in Morocco, Lebanon, Keyna, Tanzania, and Indonesia.. countries which do not contribute to the coalition forces in Iraq. I don't think the UK has been necessarily singled out. Lawrence Flynn, Swampscott, USA

It makes me fume to hear Jack Straw as he equates any suggestion of linkage between the UK involvement in Iraq with making excuses for terrorists. It is possible to both abhorr the acts of these people and also acknowledge the obvious escalation brought about by the war. Colin Skelton, Malton

Yes, the Iraq war has made us more of a target for extremists, but I am astounded by the many people who believe that the Government (or ourselves) are to blame. People forget that the rebuilding effort is being seriously undermined by suicide bombers targeting Iraqi civilians and army & police recruits far more than they are targeting occupying troops. Are we forcing them to slaughter and maim their own people in such a way? No. They do this because they are misguided. Countries have been bombed that have nothing to do with the Palestine/Israel or Iraq conflicts, we would have become a target sooner or later because we are "too Western" or too friendly with the US. People who wish to murder others for an ideology will make up any excuse. Radicalism appeals to many who blame others for the fact that they have not acheived what they want in life. It is no surprise that the majority of extremist recruits are disillusioned young men. Women of all cultures face varieties of discrimination every day, they get on with it, work hard and try to change matters (in companies, families, societies) from within. It is a typically male habit to get frustrated, give up, and lash out at innocents. We should not attempt to glorify what was simply murder. Darla Danya, Brixton

I think the attacks in London were definitely linked to the war in Iraq in one way or another. I totally condemn the attacks. I think Iraq is better of with out Saddam Hussein. However all the images, and stories of thousands of innocent civilians being killed by the war would have helped the evil extremists and terrorists to recruit and brainwash the suicide bombers. It's time Tony Blair reflects, and accepts that the killing of innocent civilians in the Iraq war, was a factor. Muhammad Malik, Manchester

It seems to me that a genuine desire to avoid conflict is the source of many peoples’ belief that the war in Iraq and Afghanistan are contributing factors in the London terrorist’s motivation. I for one do not share the view. It’s all too easy to ignore the existence of terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, or payments to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers by Saddam Hussein. Should we ignore these and other events in the hope that we will not become targets? If so, history repeats itself. The Second World War might have been avoided if people of the time had woken up to the threat Hitler had posed. Appeasement to avoid conflict led to the death of millions, and we should never go down that route again. Evil flourishes when good men do nothing. Richard B, London

If we leave Iraq now there will a government who make the taliban look like Social Democrats. Apart from the betrayal of all those Iraqis who believe in democracy and freedom, (and God help the Kurds) this government will be sitting on the Wests (ie. our) oil supply - how many years before we are forced to go back in? David Bannan, Oxford

The ridiculous comments of John Reid are an example of this Government's complete contempt for the people of the UK. Blair's total disregard of public opionion in the run up to this illegal war was breathtaking to behold. The anger of the Muslim world is totally understandable and has its roots within the Palestinian conflict and the Western hypocrisy towards it. We were told that the world would be a safer place because of these wars inflicted by the west, only a complete idiot would believe that now. Ian Hendry, Belmont, USA

It is clear to me that there is a direct connection between the bombs in London and British involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is also a clear indication that the current regime in Britain needs to be changed. The inability to understand the effects of thier actions in colaberation with the USA and the cuts that they have made to the police, military a security services, should be sufficient grounds to depose the Government. Keith Wood, Frankfurt, USA