Sir, People who insist that the London attacks (letters, July 9, etc) have nothing to do with Iraq or Afghanistan are living in their own fantasy world. There are reports of threats of retaliation against Muslims because dozens of people were killed by bombs. Is it not possible that there might be similar threats against Britain because Western bombs killed tens of thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan? The website of the organisation claiming to be behind the attacks explicitly stated that the attacks are revenge for Afghanistan and Iraq.

We are being reminded, as we learnt with Northern Ireland, that what we do in other places may come with a price nearer home. Politicians who are surrounded by mountains of security give us sanctimonious speeches about good and evil whilst the rest of us have to pay the price of their actions. It is high time that we held them to account.

BILAL PATEL
bilal__uk@hotmail.com

From Dr Nick Megoran

Sir, The bombers who perpetrated the terrorist outrage on innocent Londoners this week were not trying to change “our way of life” as Tony Blair disingenuously suggested (report, July 8), but rather our foreign policy. The attacks were inexcusable but not inexplicable. Osama bin Laden’s past statements indicate that Britain became a target for him only because of UK backing for America’s invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Tony Blair’s misguided support of George W. Bush’s illegal and immoral wars brought this tragedy upon us, and we will never enjoy security until that policy is reversed.

NICK MEGORAN
Cambridge

From Mr Malcolm Rose

Sir, Whenever outrages are blamed on fanatical Muslim extremists there is the caveat that “of course, the vast majority of Muslims are decent, law-abiding citizens”. I have no problem with this assertion.

It cannot be easy for the typical white Anglo-Saxon police or intelligence officer to infiltrate these extremists. Clearly, many Muslims would not have the same difficulties. Their leaders should grasp this opportunity to demonstrate their good intent by using their best endeavours to deliver the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to the appropriate authorities.

Not only would this be a great public service but it would also help to prevent any backlash against Muslims and other minorities.

MALCOLM A. ROSE
malcolm@ramblingrose.co.uk

From Mr Peter Alle

Sir, More than 50 years ago my parents and grandparents fled the tyranny of communism that had overtaken Latvia. Through the grace of God, they were welcomed to the United States and made their home here. Others like them were welcomed in Great Britain, Australia, Canada and other free countries around the world.

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