Sir, The public debate in the wake of the London bombings seems to me fundamentally flawed. Some say the foreign theological colleges are to blame, others say the Government, still others blame the UK Muslim community or the intelligence services. However, the real culprits are the suicide bombers themselves.

Of course we want to understand their actions as best we can, but these men were sane adult people. No one made them do it. They were not forced or compelled. Only they can be held responsible for their actions. Social conditions, even anger and resentment, do not normally force people to to carry out an action. The bombers still had a choice.

There are, of course, other possible crimes to be accounted for: crimes of complicity, aiding and abetting, encouraging, sponsoring; and crimes of omission: failing to prevent, neglecting to scrutinise, and so on. But for the bombings themselves, only the bombers are responsible.

DAVID-HILLEL RUBEN
(Professor of Philosophy)
Birkbeck, University of London

From Professor P. A. J. Waddington

Sir, If the Army had performed as heroically as the Metropolitan Police performed during July’s terrible events and their aftermath, a grateful nation would have honoured them with a campaign medal.

Terrorism is the new form of warfare. The heroism and selfless dedication of the frontline troops who serve in whatever capacity in this battle should be similarly honoured with a medal bestowed in a suitable ceremony by Her Majesty.

P. A. J. WADDINGTON
Department of Politics and International Relations
The University of Reading

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