This nonsense about Iraq and oil needs to be rebutted. Making war to acquire a commodity you can buy is like burning your house down in order to get charcoal. It don't make good economic sense, let alone the untold misery inflicted (not that murder has ever bothered the Bush family.) No, Bush started this war at the behest of both his Saudi and Israeli employers, who both have their reasons for wanting US troops in the region (you can ignore all that diversionary propaaganda about Arab-Jewish enmity.) One reason is containing a resurgent Iran (that will acquire nukes one way or another) and the other is Bush's lunatic obsession with bringing the Messiah back. Number Three is keeping troops available that wil be dependable whren the inevitable Saudi rebellion begins. The King can't depend on Saudi troops, that's for sure, probably Al Qaeda to a man.

Hardy Campbell, Houston, USA Texas

Perhaps if the war criminal Bush hadn't started the
needless war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan would have been a, "good war".

Bruce L. Northwood, Silver Spring, USA

Erimia Marian-Dragos: if the Iraq war was entirely about oil, why didn't the US invade Alberta instead? If would have been closer (troops could commute), there's more oil and they would have found the populace more hospitable. I was at a Calgary rally on Mar 30, 2003 in support of Canadian help for the US and Britain in the Iraq endeavour and it was generally concurred that after regime change was brought about in Iraq, it was our fondest hope that George would do Canada next.

Warren, calgary, alberta

There is (only relatively) less violence in Iraq today for three reasons.

1/ The country has been entirely ethnically cleansed. Where once different religious groups lived in harmony and commonly intermarried, the US has caused a division on religious lines. People now live in enclaves, having abandoned their homes.

2/ The US is paying at least 85,000 Sunnis $300 a month each to "fight Al Queda" (which never was a large threat there).

3/ Muqtada al-Sadr has declared a ceasefire.

The "Surge" has absolutely nothing to do with it.

J Welch, Victoria, BC, Canada

Of course the war can be won - when all of the "insurgents" have been killed. Along with thousands of innocent Iraqis. Not to speak of hundreds of (mostly young) Americans. Life is cheap when ideology is pursued.

Dennis Allan, Bendigo, Australia

Tom Marshall,

I presume you have extensive experience with international law given your tendency to speak in absolutes.

Erimia,

Probably is about Oil to a degree. Just as important as water and air in the modern age...way of the world

brett rud, chicago, usa

I really believe Iraq will come good in the long run. Political reconciliation : winning hearts and minds is crucial. Can you try and create dialogue with Iran. If USA can get Iran on side then it will be a catalyst for peace. Let`s hope Afghanistan turns out alright as well. The world needs a peaceful, democratic, functioning Afghanistan and not a cesspit for the Taleban and Al Qaeda to fester. Let`s face it : this war against terror truly and simply has got to be won.

Jo Sullivan, Liverpool, Merseyside

the "good war" ???!!!

The invasion and occupation of Iraq was, and is, a war crime. Let's not forget that fact.

Tom Marshall, N Fort Myers, Florida

Ohh .. come on ! i don`t know what do they want . I`m pretty sure that the motiv for this war , is like always OIL .That`s why this war started , and is continuing , and will continue for a long period of time.More and more people will die (civilians and US Forces , plus the terrorists) , only because of our thirst for OIL ! Thank you !

Erimia Marian-Dragos, Tulcea, Romania