It doesn't seem very fair to steam into a country, smash it all up and get everyone fighting, and then turn around and say, 'it's your problem now'. Things are unlikely to improve just because we really hope they will. Which is not to say things can't be put on track, but not without long-term committment -- not just secuity but rebuilding schools, hospitals and businesses, and getting some kind of legal framework together. Otherwise, it really is just an utterly pointless pile of corpses.

John, Shanghai,

Yes - bring the SAS in or maybe bring their two most famous alumni in - Andy 'pinnochio' McNab and Simon 'macho' Mann - that should save the day.

L Jordan, Kidderminster, Worcs

I do think our Ameican friends ought to polish up on their history when accusing the UK of becoming like the "Vichy Govt". There were no more ardent supporters of Vichy than the USA and Roosevelt - the latter even initsted when North Africa was first invaded that the Vichy Govt there should stay in place - viz Admiral Darlan. We shall always be grateful for the USA coming in to our aid in the 2nd World War but let it never be forgotten that Lend Lease was bitterly opposed in Congress and the Senate and went through by one vote. After Pearl Harbour the USA declared War on Japan - but not on Germany. Hitlers biggest mistake was to declare War on the USA.It is at least a point to consider what the USA would have done if Hitler had not done that. The idea that the USA were in the forefront of the fight against fascism before 1941 is an utter distortion of history. The Pro German - isolationist tendency led by that arch scoundrel Joseph Kennedy - was very very strong indeed.

Peter Buss, Canterbury, UK

This is a puppet government set up by the allies. Ofcourse they will keep "requesting' our help to get rid of the opposition. What I cannot understand is that if it was OK for Blair to talk to the IRA, why can we not make the Iraqis talk to each other. Its time for us to completely disengage ourselves and let them get on with their business. Once they realise that outside intervention is not forthcoming, they'll begin to work together.

Hamad Lone, London, England

go SAS!

Chris, London, England

To abandon Iraq right now would guarentee anarchy in the country, the lives of tens if not hundreds of thousands and greater instability in the region. This is as plain as it can be. We have done this to them and it our responsibility to ensure that we pick up the pieces and pile in the cash, and troops if need be for however long it takes until Iraq -- in whatever form -- can securely look after itself, even if this means talking to Iran. Demanding we pull out now is moral cowarice of the worst kind and sends the message that western democracies don't have the guts to follow through on all their rhetoric. It's as much a fight for our soul as it is for their freedom.

John, Shanghai,

CP, Dublin: We'll leave Iraq to the Iraqis when their elected government asks us to stop helping them. This campaign to move control from unelected gangs to an elected government is long overdue.

John, England,

Perhaps if Brown just let the British Army get on with and stopped interfering then the job could be finished properly and then they could get out to the relief of all concerned.

simon, london,

The disparity between the spin being put on current events in Basra by the Times and the Daily Telegraph is intriguing. Each is clearly presenting a story which has been given to it, rather than reporting what is happening- but why the 180 degree difference? Who is briefing on behalf of whom, and why?

Farouk, Doha,

Weren't the forces of Moqtada al-Sadr the ones who were dancing in the streets last week on tv saying if you (British/ American/ Iraqis) do not attack us then we won't attack you i.e. indicating that they wanted some sort of 'peace treaty'?

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Leaving Iraq to the Iraqis without helping the elected government end the threats from al Qaeda and the Mahdi militia, would be dooming self-rule in Iraq to the whims of armed factions. That would encourage more terrorism in the world by al Qaeda and Iran, and would discourage those who might have trusted other democracies to assist them in protecting their freedoms. Twice as many Iraqi policemen and soldiers have died seeking their freedom as have Americans helping them. Why would anyone want them to lose? Let the brave nations help the brave Iraqis finish this and secure their peace and freedom.

Chuck, K-town, Germany

Leaving Iraq to the Iraqis, is precisely the aim and always has been.

joe.h, Lake Ridge , VA

The SAS -- the Iraqi soldiers couldn't have better teachers...

William F. Naegele, Albyquerque, NM USA

Why not leave Iraq to the Iraqis. You will do so eventually.

CP, Dublin, Ireland