Sir, Lord Rees-Mogg reminds us of the “insult to our national independence” offered by the US Government in pressing for the dismissal of Jack Straw (Comment, Aug 7). We have heard the British Prime Minister asking the US President for permission to visit the Middle East as mediator, permission which was brusquely refused.

They manage these matters very differently in France. The French Government refused to join the invasion of Iraq, for reasons that daily seem more cogent. Since the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, France has been the most effective spokesman for the view of British electors that a ceasefire is imperative. These British electors have watched as their Prime Minister echoes the partisan oversimplifications of Mr Bush concerning the Middle East.

If Britain aspires to play a significant independent role in the world, then it is in partnership with our European neighbours that we must do it, rather than in the shadow of the superpower on the other side of the Atlantic. Britain can share its sovereignty with other Europeans or cede it to the United States. There is no third way.

BRENDAN DONNELLY
London N2

Sir, There is a lot of activity at the UN to get agreement on a form of words that is supposedly the first step to stopping the chaos in the Middle East. The agreement between the US and France may be forthcoming and other nations may fall in behind this agreement. We will then end up with a piece of paper to add to the pile of other resolutions ignored by every side going back more than 50 years.

The major player in the Middle East is Iran and how we can expect to arrive at some sort of peace without involving it and, to a lesser extent, Syria, beggars belief. The tragedy will continue until we stop this simplistic talk of an “axis of evil”, imposing democracy whether people want it or not, and engage realistically with those who are the major players. When we see Mr Blair and Dr Rice jetting off to Tehran and Damascus we can then realistically hope that a solution might, just might, be possible.

BILL KEARNS
Southampton

Sir, Now is the time for the world leaders to come together and force a ceasefire. The delivery of the promise of “a new Middle East” should not be determined by what the West wants but by what the Middle East needs. Only when the politicians put aside their personal ambitions and put in place policies that will protect all lives regardless of faith or ideology will a lasting peace be won.

PETER BESWICK
Romsey, Hants

An incorrect version of the above letter was originally published. We apologise for the error.

Sir, Stephen Farrell’s article (Aug 7) brought to mind a simple question. Why is it that when Muslims from the UK go and fight in Iraq or Afghanistan in the name of Islam, they are labelled terrorists? Yet it is acceptable for “Ben” to go and fight in the name of Israel and take innocent lives. Does this not highlight the differences in perceptions that we in the West harbour and which marinalise our ethnic communities?

HAMAD LONE
Thornton Heath, Surrey

Sir, That “Ben” should not feel secure in Britain, and that he has suffered abuse at the hands of Muslims here, causes me great sorrow. By joining the Israeli army he will do nothing to heal the rift.

Young Muslims indulging in such un-Islamic and ignorant behaviour should reflect on the consequences of their actions. They may have contributed to a healer becoming a killer.

ABDUL-NASSER BASTON
London N17

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