It is very sad and shameful to see a British PM join the European leaders in distancing themselves from the war on terror. Islamofascists would grow in strength when they see the European leaders cowering. European leaders, including Blair, hope that the Islamofascists would concentrate their fire on others now that they have submitted like slaves to Islam. A prey, that turns its back and runs from the predator, would simply increase the interest of the predator. Thus, instead of relieving pressure from the Islamofascists, Britain would suffer increased Islamic terror.

Hyder Ali, London, UK

I cannot believe the hand wringing apologists such as Colin of Pontivy.......... diplomacy with the Iranian theocracy, Humm, is he kidding?

Graham, Sydney, NSW

The solution to greatest foreign policy issues that the US faces today lies in the mindset of the US policy making establishment. The President is merely its manifestation. Thus the problems of US relations with Putin, Iran and Palestine could all be put on the right path to a solution if the US government decides to give some value to the needs of these adversaries.All the adversaries are seeking a basic rights to their dignity.It is true that their dignity manifests itself differently. This is quite natural because all of them have different goals. But taking their dignity into consideration would require the US to enter into a serious dialogue with all of them. A clear message along these lines supported by actual moves towards dialogue will immediately defuse many of the tensions that the world is experiencing today.

Kamaljit Sood, London, UK

The ones who could easiest end this was are our own soldiers. They should have the courage of Watada to do the right thing--refuse illegal and immoral orders and just defect en masse. Because what if they had a war and no one came? They have the power. But do they have the courage?

Margaret Just, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Why have no state officials--and few media analysts-- proposed a "weapons of mass destruction free zone" in the Middle East as an alternative, diplomatic solution to the problem/question of Iranian nuclear weapons. It's well known that Israel already has them--between one and two hundred. There are also serious concerns about Israeli biological and chemical weapons activities at its highly secret Ness Ziona facility. Both Egypt and Israel on various occasions have proposed weapons of mass destruction free zones in the Middle East. In fact, under Egyptian influence, this concept was incorporated into UN Security Council Resolution 687 on the disarmament of Iraq.

This is the right time--and an urgent time--to follow up on Res. 687 and propose a conference on nuclear, chemical, and biological disarmament for all Middle Eastern states. Most of them would likely welcome the idea.

Susan Wright, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

The American people tried to tell the Bush administration to "wise up" and look where it got us. We marched in the streets and no one, including the American media, listened. Dave, it's easy to tell the young people to speak out; chances are, they won't be heard.

Isabel, San Francisco, CA, USA

This, my freinds, is humanity. Let the bombs fall where they may.

James, Chicago, il.

It's about time we took another line with Iran, how about real engagement, we should encourage their nuclear POWER programme and help them achieve their stated aims of generating electricity. Engagement and displaying trust in this way should surely help us ensure that they do not feel threatened by the West and actually weaken the arguments of any "hawks" within the Iranian Govt.

Alan, Morpeth, England

The Iran question is in the hands of the rulers of Iran themselves. For a nation's President to threaten another nation with destruction (Israel), is provocation in the extreme. Given Israel and the Jewish people's recent history, Iran's President is walking on very thin ice indeed. I hope more balanced Iranian politicians convince Iran's misguided President despot that threats like these don't do anyone, least of all Iranians themselves, any good at all. Young people in Iran need to tell their elders to wise up - and soon.

Dave Alan, Worthing, UK

I sure hope you brits have plenty o' "crocodile chow" on hand to feed the crocs...iran considers britain as bad as the usa only much, much closer...CHOMP!!!

Gary Emerson, St. Charles, MO. USA

It's interesting to consider how the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan have given U.S. war planners open air corridors on both the east and west sides of Iran. Unchallenged overflight is a great tactical advantage for surprise and greatly increases the possible directions from which air strikes on Iran may originate. If U.S. air bases within Iraq and Afghanistan were utilized, a cruise missile / bomber strike could be off the ground and over targets inside Iran in a matter of minutes with sorties originating from multiple directions. Less time in the air equals less time for detection and even less for reaction on the ground. More directions equals more confusion.

To suggest that G.W.Bush didn't have Iran on his mind when he made the case to invade Iraq is a bit self-deceiving, I'd say. Iran has been the real rogue element in the Middle East for years. In my opinion, Iraq and Afghanistan are simply side shows, pretexts for establishing beachheads and precursors to the main event.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

And how would you stop them, Mr. Parker?

keith Hudson, philadelphia, usa

We should be thankful, whatever his motivation, that Blair shows signs of revulsion at this insane US-Israeli led belligerence in the Middle East. They lied about WMD in Iraq and nearly three-quarters of a million people have died so far, with more to follow. The Western press keeps accusing the Iranian President of wishing to wipe Israel off the map - something he never said or implied. There is no hard evidence that the Iranian regime is directly or deliberately supporting Iraqi insurgents. A nauseatingly hypocritical accusation in any case, when coming from an invading aggressor who has devastated the country with the world's largest arsenal. The press has completely turned against Putin in recent months because he is opposed to attacking Iraq and Iran. We keep harping on about Iran breaking "International" directives. Israel flaunted the non-proliferation treaty and has nuclear warheads aimed at civilian Arab targets (and who knows what else?) all over the Middle East. Israel has also broken and defied more UN injunctions than all the Arab states put together. I don't recall the US ever attacking them.

The real question is how is it possible that the western democracies can be fed such a homogenous and cynical stream of disinformation? I wonder.

Clements, Prague, Czech Republic

Another blair sound byte saying whatever he thinks people want to hear.As tone will be thankfully gone soon surely deputy fuhrer browns position on this issue would be welcomed at this time.Then again he may not of received his sealed orders from bush yet? Any military action against iran would be a total folly which would just fuel every anti u.s group around the world,what happened to the hearts and minds approach ,namely diplomacy.

colin, pontivy, france

There is only one question to answer by anyone writing about Iran and nuclear power.

If it was your sole decision would you let them have it?

YES or NO.

Robert Parker, Leamington Spa, England

True, Bush is considering armed conflict against Iran. But let us come up to speed on the new world order... China is the new counterweight to America, the USA is on its way out, recession, inflation, and poverty plauge the streets of America's largest cities. USA will not strike agains Iran b/c deterance still works! and USA, just like Iraq war, is off side...BIgtime. Just a Ahbad's man said last week, "If America likes, Iran can make the Persian Gulf its tomb." True, everyone wants peace, Iran has RIGHT to deliver energy to the people, so they can have nice life too, why America so insecure all the time? Forget all this greedy war business and start caring for all people and the earth.

Richard Ali Muhumad- just a regular guy

Richard Ali Muhumad, washington, dc

There will never be peace in the Middle East until America gets back it's independence from the Israel lobby.

Frank Ash, Nottingham, UK

Otto Zeit - I totally agree. Its too little, too late from Blair. But it is better than nothing. Personally Im amazed after years of pathetic poodling from Blair that hes finally got a voice of his own. But to all those who say the thought of a nuclear armed Iran is too dangerous - we already have a nuclear armed north korea, and it doesnt get more dangerous than that. But the most dangerous thing in the world right now Bush. Overwhelming firepower combined with absolute incompetence. I personally will feel far safer once this blood-thirsty fool has gone. What we need, at the end of the day, is peace.

luke, nottingham, uk

To Scott in WI
The US won WW2?
Oh how you American people live in such an insular little world of your own.
I suggest that you research your statement and apologise to the people of the world that exists outside of the USA. Yes that's correct, there is life outside of the US borders.

Rob, Scunthorpe, England

All this shadow government stuff is hilarious, spend some time on the ground in Iraq and figure out what you are talking about. Islamic extremists will stop at nothing to destroy those who are not. You haven't seen their effects firsthand have you? They understand force, if you back down then, to them, you are weak and that much easier to destroy. People will create any kind of conspiracy to feel important, just spend some time on the ground, then you will understand who these people are we are fighting. Problem is we should operate under the SAME rules of engagement we did during WW2, let the democrats call all the WW2 vets war criminals, corner them on this, authorize the same ROE as WW2, fight the same, if you allow terrorists to operate from your house then you are a terrorist. Without this we will lose every war we fight against them, they know this, apparently a lot of Americans do not.

Riley Donoho, Fort Smith, AR

The most dangerous loose cannon in the world is Mr Bush himself. This is why countries such as Iran feel the real need to arm themselves. If American aggressor policies do not bring Armaggedon in the near future, then their industrial pollution will do so in the not too distant future. I just hope that my American wife does not read this as the hostilities may spead towards the UK too!

Rob, Scunthorpe, England

"Why should the Bush Admin. willingly castrate itself of one of it's most important powers?"

Err, possibly because it doesn't work as the Afghanistan and Iraq experiences have shown beyond any reasonable doubt?

Petros, London, UK

First thing to do if you are in a hole - Stop digging

Taken Tony Blair several years to work that one out but finally he may have got there.

Funny the number of US based hawks commenting so far. Must be Bush sponsored.

Pete, Edinburgh,

I have a number of Iranian friends, and I know English ex-pats living in Iran quite happily, and so can vouch for Iranians being generally kind, warm, educated people; they’re not these blood thirsty fanatics that some people suppose them to be. The bellicose rhetoric used by the American Hawks and some members of the Iranian Government, Ahmadinejad included, causes a set back in diplomatic relations; and as importantly, cause to fuel animosity between the public on both sides. Perhaps Americans can start by being civil and then Ahmadinejad will, perhaps, stop blurting out preposterous lies about the holocaust.

Another thing: taking pre-emptive action against a remote possibility of a threat, at the risk of creating an even bigger fiasco (civil war) in the Middle East is a prospect that scares me; it hasn’t exactly worked in Iraq: the world is more dangerous now than before removing Saddam.

James Broughton, Daegu, South Korea

The Iranian President has recently encountered growing discontent among the Iranian public, and it is likely that he will not be re-elected (yes, Iran IS a democracy). Even so, he is pushing ahead and building nuclear "equipment" in opposition of international opinion.

George Bush wont be re-elected, and has hundreds of millions of Americans against his foreign policy. Yet he still pushes ahead and wants military action agasint Iran, also against international opinion.

It seems that this is a war between two pompous, arrogant fascist, and the American and Iranian citizens will be the only ones to lose out.

Democracy is fine, but it is only fine when the leaders believe in democracy themselves. Bush, and Mahmoud are modren fascists.

Pete, Cov,

I wonder if America could help Iran , rather to wage war against them. PLEASE dont go in to war wiht Iran.

sammuel brown, Darmstadt, Germany / Hessen

Cormac, it appears that Mr. Hussein earned your respect. I guess it must take much for you to lose your respect for a person since using chemical weapons and murdering hundreds of thousands of people doesn't seem to matter to you.

Tim, Minneapolis, MN

Doug Dover Oh, The U.S was asked By Churchill to assist in the World war 2 and President Roosevelt refused any assistance, even though Canada's McKenzie King Prime minister also asked on behalf of Britain and again it was refused, so Mr Doug you should choke on your words.
Infact it was the bombing of Pearl Harbour that awoke the U.S to get involved.

tomm1e, Chilliwack, Canada

Seeing this Big America so close to home and so threatening, if I were an Iranian, I would be very much in favor of nuclear enrichment. And I understand they don’t want to be bullied by this mess of an Administration. But I agree Iran may be a real concern for all of us, and the United-States are surly right about this threat, but the dealing is so wrong: next time please, choose a smart president, not so pigheaded and arrogant, maybe he will handle things better.
One last thing Justin: you might be right about Europe not facing ‘evil’ and a little backward, but look at what you, Americans, gain with your meddling: more anti-Americanism, more resentment, more terrorism… more trouble everywhere. You should be more careful because, backward Europe is one small thing compared to what is expecting in years to come: outraged Muslim countries, a re-rising Russia, and a fast-rising China… with their own interest. Watch your back.

Mathurine, Reims, France

Forget you political viewpoint for a minute and think. Can everyone agree Iran is obtaining nuclear weapons? Can we agree they will use them, or threaten the region and most of the worlds oil? Do you believe they can ever be "negotiated" with to stop this from happening? What do we negotiate with?

Michael Fassler, Carnation, United States, Washington

The US will undoubtedly attack Iran but first they will engineer a terrorist attack on US soil (just like 9/11) and blame it on Iran.

Andrew, Paris,

Appeasing has never worked in the past. This sound just like when the United Kingdom and other European powers appeased Hitler when they allowed him to "annex" Austria and the Sutterland of Czechoslvakia. A nucelar attack against the U.S. or Israel will be just like Pearl Harbour. It will draw us into a war. We could stop this right now before they get nuclear weapons by bombing their weapon factories, nuclear powerplants and facilities, and military bases.

John Doe, Dallas, Texas

how many wars before the paranoid bushies stop? ah yes. the money to be made with war. i'm keeping my fingers crossed that a real opposition is forming in the goverment to keep the president and his disciples in check. despicable, warmongering freaks.

david jones, Chicago, USA

The same special interest group that got us into Iraq, is now trying to get us intyo Iran. Unfortunately, they are the best organized and finananced American special interest group in the U.S. That is of course, the American Jewish Lobby, representing Israel.

Jason Warden, San Rafael, CA

Before taking on Iran over nuclear weapons, the US should insist that Israel come clean on its nuclear weapons program but coming to think of it, why would the Bush administration do that? Their entire policy in the ME is an extension of Israeli foreign policy. In fact, Israel is the largest recipient of US foreign aid.

peter bleach, Chicago, USA

Well done. A good article. We are left with the statements in the first 3-page website Newsweek exit exclusive on Blair: according to his aides, "Privately, Blair encouraged Bush to use the intelligence British troops in Basra had collected on Iranian-made weapons in order to confront Tehran. (Their foreign-policy teams had been discussing such a 'pushback' strategy since the summer war in Lebanon.) 'We tried to fashion a more coherent and tougher policy based on the Iran that we were seeing, which was a more regionally assertive Iran,' says one of the Blair advisers." In the second, 4-page, version, this material disappeared. So how do we account for the mutation to the position explained here in this thoughtful article? You might ask Newsweek Terror Watch, but not accepting that collation of documents has any value, Americans tend to sleep if you mention it. Sir Peter Stothard has suggested to me that a deep analysis of all the versions of the text would be in order. I agree implicitly.

Clayton Burns, Vancouver, Canada

Either the West faces down Iran now or in 2 years when this extremist theocracy will have its first nuclear weapons.

Malcolm Curd, Ayr, UK

Having just written concerning Iran and Iraq, then turning to another headline that reads "US concerned over China build-up, I feel compelled to wonder aloud: Will China be next on America's list 'Evil Empire' nations?" No doubt the world community should prepare itself for a buildup of US warships in the seas around China.

The militarism of the US makes the militarism of all other militaristic states, both past and present, pale in comparison.

Tatiana, Moscow, Russia

We are right back to what the world faced in the sixties with Kennedy and Russia, only the stakes are manified by so much more. How can we continue to allow Cheny to take the world to the brink of a nuclear horror. It is time to demand accurate media reporting, accurate information from the government ; with over sight and hearings. After watching the news last week I am horrifed at the depth of reporting. I actually watched faux news to see if they would report about Walter Reed and the humiliating treatment to our dis honored troops by this government and I can not say for sure between the astronaut, Anna Nichol, and Brittany Spears but I do not think they reported one word. Media is a true right wing propaganda resourse and if you have any intellectual or brain matter left you must know that something is terribly wrong!

mary, carpinteria, ca

So you`d all sleep well in your beds at night knowing that Iran (the country that "invented" suicide bombers) had nukes? By diplomacy or war, it simply can`t happen.

Adam, london,

Yes, I agree with the hawks on this message board. War is the answer to the Iranian question. That path had great benefits in Iraq and Afghanistan . . . oops, silly me! I forgot that Iraq is now in a civil war and the Taliban and al-Qaeda are rebuilding their strongholds. But hey, George and Dick have all the answers!

Al, Seattle, WA

I completely agree with Jeff Brown,
glad to see some Americans are actually thinking for themselves.
As for Ken,Waxhaw, if the USA stopped backing Israel in its violation of International agreements this wouldn't be happening, it's very convenient to bring up that argument at times and then forget it at other moments...

Jonathan, Rennes, France

After the mess-up in Iraq, heaven help us if Bush does the same in Iran! America is quite a dangerous country if you think about it. If they had a clear plan in Iraq for what happens after the bombing it would be more reassuring.
But they messed up big time. Hopeless, and as usual us Brits are left with a dangerous situation for our troops.

Also, America usually ends up killing innocent civilians , women and children in their thousands without apparently worrying about it. This is totally unacceptable behaviour.

Martin, London, UK

The USA would possibly destroy Iran in order to preserve the state of Israel. Would it be correct to assume that 7 or 8 million poeple in Israel are more valuable than 75 million in Iran?. Are we to understand that each citizen of Israel is worth ten Iranians in the American sceheme of things?.

Piggy Kruger, bridgwater, somerset, UK

Its all fine and good to sit back and advocate a thoughtful and civilized reaction to Iranian atom rattling, but what studious and peace loving westerners fail to see again and again is that Iran and the moslem "experience" is something totally foreign to anything that westerners can understand. Imagine, if you will, that you have been in serious behavior modification (not just brain washing, but brain building) since you were old enough to understand the language - being told again and again that your mother,delightful as she might be, is evil and you must kill her at the 1st opportunity beyond your 15th birthday. At 15, plus one second, you will kill her. Moslem brains are similarly brain built since toddling age, with regard to Westerners and particularly Jews. If Islam/Iran ever attains the upper hand via substantial weaponry, you will die, Westerners. And as you draw your last breath, you will not understand why because you cannot understand. Iran cannot have nukes.

Fred Little, Pendergrass, GA , USA

The only thing that would be more stupid than invading a country under the pretext that it had WMDs and essentially turning it in to a hotbed for terrorists, would be to invade a country that actually does have WMDs, or at the very least a significant amount of refined uranium and end up with a similar situation to that in Iraq.

Rich, Newmarket, UK

Most of you the comments thus far represent sincere but ignorant viewpoints. The world is still a mess after the first World War and it's Paris conference aftermath. When is it going to get set right and how? Blaming Bush and Blair for all the world's ills solves NOTHING! I am guessing most of you want another 9/11 in the USA to punish us for Bush's policies, go ahead and stick your heads back in the sand...

Aldo, Beverly Hills, USA

It's time for the US, UK (and others) to let the Middle East be, Iran has changed tremendously since 1979, the hard-liners are loosing grip on their people and a change is coming.

The US should be the last country to go "help" Iran after what they did in 1978-9, Iranians had to struggle since then because of them, went through a horrible war against Iraq (dirty war that the UN let happened) and had to suffer the consequences of an Islamic state. Having the US telling them what to do would be worst in their eyes than having a new Khomeini (close anyway).

I think people are wrong when they say "America has no history (comparing them to older civilisation)", the main problem is that they don't learn from history and repeat the same mistakes (some of them on purpose I'm sure).

Antoine, London, UK

Hey Piled high. and Deep in Hawaii, go back to your beach and leave this to the people who really understand the threat! Chamberlin believed Hitler when he said "we are friends". Do you really believe that the US is making president Tom in Iran say that Isreal will cease to exist? Read Islam ,What the West Needs to Know, or another Ph.D and former Muslim, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and then post your response about the 9/11 conspiracy! Your Ph.D will buy you a noose in Tehran!

Mark White, Montana,

Yes, let's invade everyone where having trouble with. It worked so well in Iraq, why not all those countries. I don't think anyone would see that as prejudice at all either. Then the motivation for more insurgents and more terrorism would be difiantly be lessened.

Bob, Arlington, USA, VA

Yea, sad deal that America has these warmongering idiots in charge of the government, and a populance that has to be one of the most ignorant of the western nations.

Bob , Baltimore,

Does anyone ever talk about what needs to be done with Iran as opposed to what the U.S. shouldnt do? Doesnt this kind of reasoning ever get old for you america haters?

JP, los angeles, USA

We are not going to be able to bully this issue to rest. It is our imperialistic agenda that makes the U.S. a target, and unless we hit this problem at the root, Iranians and other Islamic groups are going to find any means necessary to attack our integrity. The only way to resolve this conflict is through mutual understanding, not strong-arming.

Caputo, Suffolk, VA

"Can we sat in our comfy homes see Iranian warships in the English channel?" No, but if you try hard enough you just might be able to imagine the effects of a radiological device provided by Iran's uranium enrichment program detonated in London by Iran-sponsored jihadists. My God, what naivete...

Paul Kelley, Columbia, SC, USA

"Americans are hell bent on world war 3. They want to take away control of oil supplies from OPEC so major US corporations control the global economy, charging as much as they want for oil."

Yeah. And we crashed planes into our own buildings 6 years ago. And the CIA invented the AIDS virus. And we're the ones behind those crop circles...

Grow up. If it weren't for the big bad USA you'd be posting your comments in German.

Rob, Asbury Park, NJ USA

The US might be happy to step back if we didn't believe we'd ultimately need to come to Europe's rescue--again.

Terri, Fernley, Nevada

The most unstable country in that region with hell of aresenal is Pakistan with missiles that are already operational and has Al-Qeda and ultra right Jihadists in the Military.

Days of warmongering are over, planet can not sustain it anymore.

Alex, LA, USA

The simple fact is that the USA is in grave danger of getting into a hugely damaging war which may well , in the longer term, hurt it and the West far more than it does Iran. The Iranians showed a capacity for huge suffering and casualties in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War and can only be expected to hit back against their enemies in any way possible. Efforts should be being made to help dissidents who can profit from the incompetence of Ahmedinejad in running Iran's economy and foreign policy. The West should seek to appear strong while at the same time trying to split the ruling elites of Iran. If the US or/and Israel attack, Russia and China will feed their latest weapons to Iran and will be very keen to see success with what has already been supplied to their ally. This could all spiral out of control faster than most people imagine.

Sebastian, Oxford, UK

It is high time to neutralise Iran. But who is going to do that? No body. Not even George Bush. Because his hands are tied down. The American public were foolish in voting the Democrates (who have no guts to take any action against threats posed by Iran) to power in Congress and Senate.

Iran will neutralise the West unless it acts right now.

Deva, mumbai, india

western europe doesnt care about israel anyways. Its just an extention of the masked antisemetism in europe. The europeans have a brillant way of dealing with their racism and hatred for anyone not european(especially americans and blacks), they just ignore it. The only way you can get the europeans to take action is to threaten paris or munich or rotterdam or any other big city in europe. In fact, the europeans say they dont like america and our policies. When in reality they are all secretly glad that we are dealing with all this stuff. They thumb their noses at us, yet if it werent for the u.s. speanding in excess of $100 billion a year on securing the world, then the rest of the european countries would have to fit the bill. I think in europe they say why speand our money and blood when we got the americans to do it for us. If this is the case, a little gratitude would be nice. Not for me, but for the thousands of soldiers and citezens we've lost to defend freedom in the world.

terrence, washington d.c.,

The impeachment should be of Vice President Cheney. Then we could get a new puppeteer to control the strings over the current occupant of the WH.

James M Campbell, St. Paul, MN

To Craig in Bowling Green; People can call Bush whatever they want and just calling him "Mr. Bush" is probably the kindest thing anybody could possibly call him at this point considering the myriad of other less shiny words.

Scott, Milwaukee, USA

I agree with many of the comments, especially the need for Europeans to form a closer EU bond to give balance to US administrations such as the one we are saddled with now. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, there has been no checks or balances to the US's actions. I look forward to a stronger EU for the World's sake. The US does not have a lock on knowing what is best for all concerned (including ourselves!).

Mike, Washington, DC, USA

He is only an American President and his title is technically informal and we have no obligation to be called that. If a British journalist refers to him as Mr. Bush, then it is his right to. If you choose to call him President Bush, it is your choice. Personally I think the article points out much more substantive issues than the choice of name the author uses. Finally, respect is earned and I think Mr. Bush has lost any respect most people in this country may have considered him to have.

Mark Leiser, glasgow, UK

As one of your commentors wrote "Was it worth the cost"?

We don't even know what the cost is yet...yes we can see that the human toll is astounding indeed but the radical terrorists are saying that they are are gonna "wipe ALL infidels off the face of the globe" that is a glimpse into what we are facing with our future.

I say put everything on hold and deal with this at once lest we see a human death toll beyond anyones imagination especially when the radical jihadists see heaven as thier goal. They are dead serious while we banter about whos right and whos wrong.

Watch out the storm flags are flying high for everyone that calls planet earth home.

God help us all.

W. Santos, carlsbad, usa-ca

America is having problems in Iraq - how can they start an invasion of Iran? No doubt, we will leave this to the nation of Israel to resolve?

Jackson, Jackson Hole, USA

I find it a bit discrediting to read the comments from people all around the world who continue to cite the brainwashing influence of the American media (and it's profiting? thank you Chomsky conspiracist), yet fail to consider the brainwashing influence of their own home media. It would be nice for the people always pointing fingers at America to reflect on the fact that maybe, just maybe, they could be also be receiving twisted information by their own media. If you've ever heard the Bob Dylan song, "With God On Our Side," many of these posts represent the exact hypocrisy he so intelligently recognized during his time. Basically, these viewpoints must exist on a two way street, open for discussion, and simply dismissing someone's contrary idea is a terrible way to gain respect for your own ideas.

Guy Madison, St. Paul/ MN, UDA

I say that we, Americans, give them what they all want; we should pull out of Iraq, Iran, Europe and the rest of the world and bring all of the troops home and put them on bases on the borders of Mexico and Canada. Once we have brought all of the troops home we can then withdraw from the UN and kick the little frenchies out of our country. Once that is done we also withdraw from NATO which is also becoming another UN. Once we have done this we then make an international announcement that the only place that the US will defend is our home land. If someone attacks us we will not send troops to beat them down and be humane about it; no we will simply bomb them back to the stone age and if necessary send a few nukes over to finsh the job completely. If someone like Iran or even Russia attacks or takes over another country, oh well...you can defend yourself and if not, to bad. I think I like the names Western and Eastern Russia instead of the European Union.

Dan, Charlotte, NC

The most laughable development in the world is the concern Russia has over anti-misslie defense un Poland and the former soviet republics. Russia feeds Iran rockets and technology for nuclearization. The concern is about an unstable radical Iran. The simple explanation is that Putin could care less about western democracy or civilization. I've looked into this creeps eyes and saw KGB tatooed on his retinas.

John, Phoenix, USA/ AZ

It's interesting to consider how the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan have given U.S. military planners open air corridors on both the east and west sides of Iran. Unchallenged overflight is a great tactical advantage for surprise and greatly increases the possible directions from which air strikes on Iran may originate. If U.S. bases within Iraq and Afghanistan were utilized, a cruise missile / bomber strike could be off the ground and over targets inside Iran in a matter of minutes with sorties originating from multiple directions. Less time in the air equals less time for detection and then for reaction on the ground. More directions equals more confusion.

To suggest that G.W. Bush didn't have Iran on his mind when he made the case to invade Iraq is a bit self-deceiving, I'd say. Iran has been the real rogue element in the Middle East for years. In my opinion, Iraq and Afghanistan are simply side shows for establishing beachheads and precursors to the main event.

Tom Hopkins, Atlanta, GA, USA

the usa will either go the way of euorpe,or press full speed ahead with total victory in iraq,and the wacking oof iran,or my children and grandkids will suffer the consequences.

john carey, philadelphia, usa

You have to love the Internet where we can share our information and dis-information. I personally, would leave Iran alone. As far as 9/11, I'm sure I don't know the truth. I dislike hearing "it's my job" as justification for doing something that one would not do if "it wasn't my job." But, then, if you have a boss, a morgage payment, a car payment you better do what you are told, cow to some other wimp who is also, "just doing his job." Trash the BMW, live in a hovel, but be a man of courage. I can't do it, maybe you can.

ira rosensteel, mesa, az

How many times over the past 100 years have American come to the side of their friends and the oppressed? Now, again we face world oppression and it seems the free world doesn't care. What is it? Don't you ever learn? You don't buy freedom, you defend it.

Tom Giles, RECTOR, USA

This problem with Iran will not go away--it must be settled sooner rather than later---for the benefit of all humans on this planet.

Norman W. Earley, Huntsville, Alabama

Political Islam is more passionate and intolerant than Germany's national socialist ever dreamt of being. When one truly understands the threat they pose to democratic, or for that matter even European socialist values, it becomes a no brainer as to what needs to be done to eliminate this spread of religious totalitarianism. Europe, including Great Britain, is well on its way down the path towards Muslim and political Islamic domination. This is part of the pronounced goal of political Islam; a caliphat stretching from Great Britain, through Europe and on into Afghanistan and Asia. Hitler was not even so ambitious. Iran has been the driving force behind this extremist expansionism since the resurrection of radical political Islam during the Carter administration, when a weak American president failed to stand up to the Islamic facists. Unfortunately, the terrorism will happen even if we stand still and do nothing. This is the nature of facism - always. It is time to fight, me hardy's!

tony roumell, San Francisco, USA/California

Charles Schlott - yes we all remember. The Bush administration executed a covert job, blamed someone else, and started a war. If u think I'm wrong then explain the simple physics behind the impossibility of steel melting when aviation fuel has no where near the burn temp required to do it. Yet, somehow it melted. Bush ordered 9/11 and got away with murder. He should be jailed.

john doe, Springfield, USA

To Ed Ingle:

This American would be more than happy to remove all our
military bases from Europe. Why should we continue to fund the defense of a bunch of ungrateful cowards? In fact, we should pull our troops out of the Balkans now!

Don't come and cry for the Americans help when your appeasement policies and the spineless French leave you wearing a Burka.

Jim , USA,

The Brits don't know history. You can't appease a lunatic who is bent on genocide. Unfortunately, it's looking more and more like we will have to take some kind of military action against Iran. Better to do so before they have a nuclear arsenal. How many millions of lives could have been saved if the world had confronted Hitler in the 1930's instead of in the 1940's?

Jack, Los Angeles, CA,

Yes, military action is not the desired route. However, with the majority of the world (notably China and Russia refusing to join in imposing economic sanctions and continueing to bankroll and arm this rougue and dangerous regime )refusing to identify and meet this potentially great threat, what options are left. Unfortunately, diplomacy without "teeth", if you will, does not work with genocidal fanatics committed to killing as many of us as possible.

This is a war we are in---not an oil grab or a trigger happy president with an ax to grind. Like any war lives are lost and will continue to be lost. The security of the US is our Presidents prime directive and I sleep better at night knowing that we are riding out to meet evil rather than waiting for my (or my children's) plane, train or building to be blown up.
If ridding the world of terrorism, liberating millions and saving lives and making the world a better, safer place is not a worthy cause then we are all damned.

Steve Rogers, New York, NY,

The solution to IRAN and IRAQ are both the same, start pumping oil from ANWAR and the Gulf of Mexico. Then we can tell Europe and the Arabs to all go to hell.

Jim, Tucson, AZ

Having nuclear technology is Iranins right,I agree with the Iranian president who said if the west want them to abondon the enrichment first in order to resume the negotioations so the west also should do the same , I also beleive then the both parties would hold fair and just negotiations then

Mike, Birmingham, West Midlands

Please let me hear back from one Englishman, one French, one Spanish, and (ironic) one German:

"We will never ask The United States of America for protection or relief again."

Convince my people of that and we should agree to let you handle it yourselves. It would be great in my view.

Al Davis, League City, U.S.A., Texas

To an earlier comment: Just what in the world does Iran have to do with 9/11?
No, let's not forget 9/11. Never. But let's also make sure that the memory isn't employed by folsk hoping to mislead us into another disastrous foreign policy.

Malcolm, Milwaukee, US

Iran is one part of a an empire of radical Islam which is bent on world domination. Those who see the United States as overweening should ask themselves whether they would prefer to live in a world dominated by the U.S. or by the Ayotollahs and Imams -- because that is the choice on the horizon, whether they like it or not.

Ted, Palatka, FL

Let me get this straight, Europe does not believe there is a problem with Iran developing a nuclear weapon when Ahmadinejad has said Israel has no right to exist. Perhaps if he stated that Britain, France, etc. had no right to exist, Eurpoe may feel differently.

Jim, Pittsburgh,

As I understand, Iran has the legal right to produce nuclear fuel under the NPT. The issue is whether we should believe the Bush administration's claim that the Iranians are preparing to develop nuclear weapons or believe the Iranian's claim that the fuel is for peaceful purposes. Frankley with this administration's record of repeatedly lying to the American people, I tend to believe the Iranians, especially since we do not have any concrete evidence to the contrary.

masoud zarraby, Albuquerque, NM

Roger...please tell me you're not naive enough to believe that the French came to North America and helped us defeat you at Yorktown out of the goodness of their hearts and because of the rightness of our cause. You know damn well they came over to poke a finger into your imperialist eye and further weaken your hold on the continent you had "stolen" away from them.

On the other hand, Americans went to Europe (and many died) in order to liberate continental Europe and save your beseiged, fading island from years of goosestepping and David Hasselhoff-worship...all because it was the right thing to do. There was really nothing in it for them but "blood, toil, tears, and sweat." In fact, all the U.S. earned as plunder was the right to spend millions and millions of dollars worth of American taxpayers' money helping to rebuild Europe just so we could then spend billions and billions more protecting you from the Soviet bear.

At least you got the "incalculably heroic" part right...

Jim Quinn, Pittsburgh, PA

The idea that an invasion has to take place is a fallacy....there is a viable students movement that if armed and with air support could overthrow the mullahs...however the sanctions ARE working so this can be put off a good year or so.

nedm, boston,

Amazing! The spiritual sons of El Alamein and Arnhem are inappropiately wringing their hands over the hapless, intolerant, murderous, corrupt, gender apartheiding, illegetimate regime of the Mullahs - and blaming America - no less!

Face it kids, as our regime changin', syntax manglin' cowboy in chief says "...There's a little bit of Great Britain inside every 'Merican..." And thats what provokes ya'lls wrath I'm sure. After all, we are just following the shining example Great britain has shown - like when the Royal Navy put paid to the slave trade.

Rant on chaps - ya'll made us this way. And we are PROUD to disregard, provoke and frighten despots anywhere, anytime. After all, we learned from the best.

courtney, Chattanooga, TN, USA

"I am sick and tired of Americans thinking that they know best for us all. We don't want their bigotted, bullying, overbearing world view, their bases or manipulation of our government any more. " -- Ed Ingle, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Why didn't your gov't say that in WWII? If it weren't for the U.S., you would be speaking German. Tony Blair had no choice in the matter. Britain is repaying a favor from WWII and everybody knows it, but no one will say it. You will read about this in a book many years from now.

Alfred O'SHea, New York, NY

In response to the thoughts of Mr. Engle (of Chesham, Buckinghamshire): Would you be surprised to know that many Americans agree with you that the bigotted, bullying, overbearing world view and manipulation of your government (by the US government) is disturbing to us, as well? Once presidents and their closest advisers are in the position of lording their agenda upon others, it is next to impossible for the average citizen to find a way to impress upon those individuals the need for listening to citizens' views and following a military, economic plan that is implemented with prudent action. Sadly, what those in power do is out of our hands, at least until the next national election when, hopefully, a less egomaniacal leader will be elected. One can only hope.....

Mary B., East Boston, MA

Do not thrust one more unwanted, unjust war on the world. War is no solution. It is the problem. Generations after generations may have to pay dearly. They will curse us. despise us. Look where we have reached by these unjust wars. No US citizen, UK citizen, and for that matter any national whose country is a direct party in the wars of terror that are now being fought, are safe on the face of earth. No military gadget can ensure that safety. LET THE WORLD UNITE AGAINST THESE TYRANNIES AND UNJUST WARS AND OCCUPATIONS.

MOHAMMED ASLAM, KOCHI, INDIA KERALA

He said the political and diplomatic option is the way to go. Forever? How long do we give it? A month, year, decade? Or until they threaten Israel? Or until they threaten Europe? Or until they explode a nuke? Remember, Iran is different, in that it said it would use them at the drop of a hat to bring back the Mahdi.

Remember, when you attack a person's position, ONE HAS TO PROFFER A BETTER OPTION, not just sit and gripe.

Bubbagyro, Exeter, NH USA

Judging from the comments posted here from the Great Britain I would guess that Sir Winston Churchill is spinning in his grave. Obviously Europe learned nothing in the past century with respect to the dangers of appeasing tyrants.

I would suggest all of you read at least volume one of "History of the Second World War" as penned by the greats English of the 20th, and possibly any, century. The people and place names have changed but the world situations are eerily similar.

Cecil, South Carolina, USA

Ed,
Europeans never get it right. The hide your head in the sand view of the world never worked for you and it was always the Americans who bailed your backsides out when you took that approach. With the new mad man on the block looking for nukes you should support the removal of said weapons from him now so we do not need to assist your Euro's when he uses them himself or when he sells them to the high Islamic/Muslem extremist.

BILL, FREEHOLD NJ, USA / NEW JERSEY

Poor Mr. Ingle from Chesham!!! Its not our fault(U.S) that the true followers of Islam hate your country and attack it. Its because you are not submitted to Allah. Read the ninth surah of the Koran and do alittle research of the historical Muhammad and you will realize that true muslims should want any unbeliever to die or submit, its their religious duty. If the world wants no conflict with muslims then we should all submit to islam or outlaw it. The real underlying problem lies within the texts of the Koran and Hadditha, and the true followers of it not America.

Emile Roberson, Covington, LA

Britain has the north sea oil We the US still get most of our oil from the middle east.
Please you guys that like to knock the UK & France remember it was those two countries that opposed Hitler in 1938 while we waited until Germany & Japan declared war on us .
The war was half way over when the US came into it .
The German navy & most of its air force were already destroyed [ battle of Britain].
Also remember without the French at Yorktown the war of independance may have been lost . There were actually more French there than Americans .
Plus of course the French navy ,
WE REALLY SHOULD STUDY OUR HISTORY MORE THOUGHRALLY .& spend less time watching John Wayne movies.
Still not to worry i,m sure the draft dodging duo of B& C will see us thru.

brian lee, medina , ohio

I find it a bit discrediting to read the comments from people all around the world who continue to cite the brainwashing influence of the American media (and it's profiting? thank you Chomsky conspiracist), yet fail to consider the brainwashing influence of their own home media. It would be nice for the people always pointing fingers at America to reflect on the fact that maybe, just maybe, they could be also be receiving twisted information by their own media. If you've ever heard the Bob Dylan song, "With God On Our Side," many of these posts represent the exact hypocrisy he so intelligently recognized during his time. Basically, these viewpoints must exist on a two way street, open for discussion, and simply dismissing someone's contrary idea is a terrible way to gain respect for your own ideas.

Guy Madison, St. Paul/ MN, USA

Regarding the comment from Jason in Lancaster, CA. - Were you asleep when Iraq failed to comply with 17 UN Security Council resolutions following the first Gulf War?Iraq was shooting at UN planes that were patrolling the no-fly zones put in place following the removal of Iraq from a country it invaded (Kuwait) in 1991. Iraq also would not allow UN inspectors access to their facilities to confirm they weren't breaking their commitments to the UN. Perhaps you were you too young to read the news at that time so now you believe everything the liberal media feeds you. I'm so grateful the founding fathers ensured we live in a republic where leaders are elected to make the best decisions they can. It will be a sad day when we leave foreign and domestic policy up to an uneducated society that spends their free time watching professional sports and American Idol.

JC, Cedar Hill, USA

The first commenter, Tony, Seattle of Wa/USA, is factually wrong in his claim that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is Sunni. This is central to the dispute and it is elementary in understand the differences among Muslims and the basis for the fighting. Iran and its president are Shi'ites. Saudi Arabia and its monarchy are Sunni Muslims. The House of Saud is deeply competitive with Iran.
Al Qaeda is Sunni.
Most of the people in Iraq, including American soldiers, being killed in Iraq are being killed by Sunni Muslims who are deeply unhappy that they no longer wield the power that their Baath Party held while Saddam Hussein ran that country. Sunni Muslims are the minority in Iraq but the majority in the Middle East. Because Tony in Seattle does not grasp these key differences, what he says can be safely discarded.

Ruta Wagner, Pittsburgh,

Who is guilty of the 9/11 tt attack ? This Iraq war was a waste of Iraqi lives, american lives, brits, etc..(soldiers) Very , Very sad. They were not responsible, Bush should be held accountable for going to war against the international community !! NOTHING will bring back lost lives , sorrow, pain, etc...

Terrorists are not freedom fighters <<<<<<< I dont know why people think that ? They murder innocents by the droves, how are they gaining freedom ?? They have killed more Iraqis than the war itself !!

Now, if they had gained some freedom, I might think they were indeed freedom fighters, but really they are just MASS MURDERERS !!

Kathy, Kosovo, Tenn.

It is amazing that there are still people who "buy" this administration's rhetoric! Andy and Carl....nothing that the Bush Administration said in the run-up to the Iraq War has been proven true!! Why should we believe anything they say about Iran? Wake up and smell reality! If we continue down the path of war with Iran, who will fight it? We are bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan with no end in sight. I hope the scare tactics don't work like they did in 2002-2003. As citizens we should NOT tolerate more lies and deception from the Bush/Cheney cabal. I can't wait for your canned FOX news response.

geoff, Ellicott City, MD

I have to ask - why is everyone so against America? Sounds like a simple question, but is it really? I wish America would stay out of Iraq, Iran & Afganistan - mostly because, what good are we doing? They will attack Europe much sooner than the US - so why be the first to try to stop them? Let Europe actually do something for once - instead of just sitting around critisizing everyone else. If the US does something - you hate us. If they dont do anything - we are turning our backs on everyone - and you hate us. If we are diplomatic - you hate us. Of the people in the US, 65% dont approve of Bush - yet all Americans are seen as Bush supporters and murderers. Americans used to care about what our brothers in Europe thought - but we are condemned regardless so, as I have seen a lot of here lately, we just dont care anymore - you are going to hate us no matter.

Drew, Connecticut, USA

Van Skamamper,.
You are wrong. Duroing the Yom Kippur war when the Egyptian Airforce routed the Israeli Ait Force and the Israeli army was also being Moshe Dayan told the U.S Whoitehouse that unless aid is goiven immediately thehy were going to use their Ato9m Bom,bs against Egypt. Searchj history and you will find that this is the truth

Alf., Qormi, Malta

Imagine if Israel had not conducted it's magnificent bombing and destruction of the Iraqi nuclear facilities in 1980 which the world so roundly condemned. How would the Middle East have looked if Saddam had nukes? The world & the U.N.'s impotence & inaction will force Israel to attempt to take out Iran's nuclear facilities by itself, again receiving world condemnation for actions taken in it's own and civilization's defense.

Steve, Dallas, TX / USA

To: Cormac, Madrid, Spain:
No need to take focus off the issue at hand by repeatedly reminding everyone of the correct pronunciation of Iraq; the United States is a large nation, most of can say the country's name properly. As sad as it is, we know that the global community views Americans as unarticulate cowboys, based on our current representation. It stings, & the worst part of all is knowing how much we will need to do to correct that view. Many Americans do not support the policies or actions of the Bush administration - and I'm not speaking solely about recent opinion; many of us have been extremely opposed to him from the start over 6 years ago.

The situation between Iran, Iraq & the United States is much like the old fable of the boy who cried wolf; now that there is a legitimate, verifiable threat of nuclear capacity in Iran, our decision to employ military action will have no support; we have no credibity due to the baseless war we began in Iraq for some special interest.

AJS, New Jersey, US

The British are fooling themselves once again, just as they did with Hitler before World War II. No amount of talk is going to stop the Iranian mullahs from building an atomic bomb and dropping it on Israel, or perhaps giving the technology to al quaeda for use in the U.S. They are fanatics with a messianic view of establishing a worldwide caliphate under Sharia law. They have said so time and again, just as Hitler set out his goals for worldwide dominance in Mein Kampf. Now is the time to stand up to them and stop them before they get the bomb. Where oh where are the Margaret Thatchers of Britain!

Kevin Hyland, Newton, NJ

Hey Cormac just what point are you trying to make. You are stating that respect needs to be earned by not assumed but yet you stick up for Hussain who killed thousands of innocent people of his own country. How is that an example of what you refere to as a "President". Saddam was nothing more than a Cruel dictator the honorable Bush is just doing what he feels as would any person with feelings is needed. Have you seen the torture chambers that a person you so call a persident murderd his own people if not you have nothing to say.

PFC Sheldon, Darmstadt, Germany

It is enevitable, the War between Muslim and Christian will be fought in the Middle East or on the streets of America and Europe. Which do you want? And if the West does not win the war, we will all be slaves to the Muslims. President Bush understands this, few other people do. All of the people that wish to avoid War are simply hiding their head in the sand like an ostrich. There is no way to negotiate with a peoples whose goal in life is to destroy any non-Muslim wherever found.

Erlein, Bedford, TX

Only an Republican would say "a war is iminent". doesnt matter what therest of the world thinks. Not suprised as i heard recently that ony 5% of the yanks have passports! what a joke!

bush hater, london, UK

This man who would be the new Saladin of an Islamic Kaliphate is big trouble. He has repeated his desire to "wipe Israel off the map" more than once. Only a fool would ignore the potential of a tyrant like this with nukes. Oh, they want us to think the nuclear process is for peaceful use only, so its ok, right?

The way of Islam, as set by the example of Mohammad is clear. Peace with pagans, that is, not the People of the Book, is impossible, as they are all to be given a chance to accept Islam or be killed. This is illustrated by the recent killing of pagans in the South Sudan by northern Muslims attempting to impose Islamic Law on them, the killing of non-Muslims in Northern Nigeria by Muslims attempting to impose Islamic law on them, the attacks of the northern Muslims on the southern pagans in Chad with Gaddafi interfering, etc.

John S., Orlando, Florida

Ok Gabriel Hague you get this strait, bombing Iran back into the Stone Age WILL stop their program. Weather or not they use such a weapon against anyone because of the prevailing winds is irrelevant. They could give the bomb to a terrorist organization that could use it against anyone. They must be stopped; taking the military option off the table only weakens our position and enables Iran to keep doing what they are doing.

Kevin, DC, USA

Wow, an interesting perspective from across the pond. I wonder if your French and British grandparents felt the same way about 'American imperialism' U.S. when ours were lifting the Nazi boot off their throats. We would be delighted if your countries were capable of defending themselves so we didn't have too. Maybe without your thirty-two hour work weeks and socialist welfare states, you could provide for your own defense, but I doubt it. Iran brags it is enriching uranium, states it wants to wipe Israel off the map, and has supported terrorism for thirty years, but Isreal and the U.S. are to blame? Too what lengths will your delusional minds go to deny reality? I thought our left-wing moonbats were dangerous.......

Shawn, Toledo, Ohio

How come we are always defending the rights of our corporations to go places where they are not wanted. If Exon- Mobile and BP want Iraq so badly why don't they build their own Army/Navy/AirForce. Hell they got the money since they don't like paying taxes. If Iran is such a big problem let Halliburton handle it. Again they got all the money while the American Goverment is losing our fine men and women and going broke doing the corporate dirty work for them. Great job George and Dick! Gee you guys wouldn't be oil guys , would you?

Al Serrao, Plano, TX

"...(SecDef Gates) is understood to believe that airstrikes would inflame Iranian public opinion "? Is there anyone (with the exception perhaps of Mr. Cheney) who would debate this point?

George Kubek, Boston, Mass

Is there really anyone out there who is silly enought to think that the gutless Europeans will do anything about Iran except to wring their hands and pass meaningless resolutions? The Israelis will be the ones to act decisively on this issue and then when they do the EU will start whinging and condemning and passing even more silly resolutions this time against the Israelis.

David Gray, Auckland, New Zealand

Reading some the below comments from our american friends can only make one understand why the world has such a slanted view of them. I am glad Blair is taking a stance against america on this . After all what kind of world does the future hold where america will invade a country everytime it does not get its way. To me it seems Iran major reason to have nuclear capability is so their voice can be taken seriously. Look at Pakistan and India.

Cormac, Madrid, Spain

I've heard views expressed here that Iran has stated that it "wants to destroy Israel" , and that Iran wants to create a "Caliphate", that "everyone agrees the world will become a more dangerous place once Iran has to ability to use and sell nuclear weapons". And can anyone name me the "terrorists" that Iran is linked to?
Iran is not, and never has been an expansionist nation, on the contrary, they have been defending themselves from occupation and foreign intervention for centuries.
But here we go again, paint then as the "Mad Mullahs" hell bent on destroying the world, the new nazis that have to be stopped, and only the god fearing Americans and their poodles can save the world, (and take control of one of the worlds largest oil producing nations)

MG, Glasgow,

What is wrong with everyone? People are forgetting that Iran has no history of attacking any other country. Also, people talk of Iran having connections to terrorists and supplying weapons that are killing US troops in Iraq - what about the US? They are known sponsors of terrorist organisations when it suits them and also supplied weapons to Iraq during the Iran/Iraq war that were responsible for the deaths of upto 2 million people! Before judging Iran, people might also like to consider the fact that the USA is the only country to have actually used nuclear weapons...

Amir Pournasrollahzadeh, Bristol, England

Craig Magrum,

Bush may be a president, but he is not my president nor is Cheney the VP because I did not vote for their sorry cans. They deserve no respect because they do not respect the offices that they hold. Our country has been decimated by their idiotic decisions and I only hope they avoid screwing up anything else.

So leave your high and mighty attitude at the door.

Jeremy C., charlotte, US, NC

Craig,

Call you president what you like, but may I remind you that a man who holds an office similar to your president needs to earn respect not automatically assume it.
ON a further note, when your troops were invading Iraq (prounced 'erak, not I-rak') how did your press refer to President Hussain? as I recall it was 'Saddam'....why is that?

Cormac, Madrid, Spain

I guess all of Ahmadinejad's comments regarding Israel should simply be ignored. The comments should be taken as rhetoric. But, what if he is insane?

Dan, Belpre, Ohio

So we should all show respect to Bush, Craig? I cannot show respect to a born-again Christian who (unnecessarily) orders bombs to be dropped on thousands of innocent women and children. (What would Christ say?) Bush is a hypocrite and a dangerous one as well, and a disgrace to the office of US President. Impeach him!

alan, cologne,

People are getting tired of your world domination games. Leave people be, start obeying the laws and concentrate on your own domestic problems.

Simon, Toronto, Canada

Yeah, let's keep it simple... Iraq wasn't responsible for 9/11.

E. Nough, Fairfax, VA

War will break out more than likley not by design - but by accident. If I stand toe to toe with a cocked and locked Colt .45 pointed at my adversaries head long enough, with my finger on the trigger, at some point I will begin to percieve the risk of my own destruction as so great that I must strike first. As time passes I will begin to misinterpret my adversaries intentions this will also lead to attack. Nuclear Weapons are an even worse situation. If I get on my roof with a rifle pointed at someones home, a mile away, and they do the same at my home, the degree of provacation for me to fire will be much less, because the consequence of my not firing is so high. Iran, for all it's idiotic statements, is acting rationally - they percieve a threat and are preparing to meet it. The U.S. is also behaving logically - we percieve a threat from Iran as a result of their rhetoric's nexus with their actions. This game has been played for too long. We all lose in the end.

Gregg Scott, Katonah, United States, New York

As a minimum, covert action needs to be used against Iran to support Iranians who believe in democracy. When a government has LEADERS who question the occurrence of the Holocaust , finance and foment terrorism, including the killing of their fellow Muslims, threaten the existence of a sovereign country, Israel and express a willingness to use nuclear weapons, there is no alternative to regime change. If the U.S. has to use its air power to attack the military sites of Iran, so be it. The world will be a far safer place for it. The U.S. made a mistake in how it went about regime change in Iraq. It failed to use its technological superiority with the resultant consequences. Iran will be a different story. George Bush has the spine that other leaders lack.

David Doub, Toronto, Canada

I'd find the historical illiteracy of many US posters here rather amusing were it not for the fact that they seem hell bent on causing an almightly inflagration in the middle east that could consume us all. For those among our trans-Atlantic who've forgotten, the 2nd World War started in September 1939 NOT December 1941.

Stuart, London,

Dear Ed of Chesham,

Way to repeat the same inaccurate stereotype of Americans that we've heard for years. If I hear that one more time I think I'm going to...yawn. Well put, though. Maybe if you keep saying that sort of stuff the psycho terrorists will stop trying to kill you and just try to kill us.

Matt, Orlando, FL

Stumbling towards Armageddon once again. I suppose they'll take Iran seriously after they nuke Tel Aviv. Yet another group of megalomaniac misfits preparing to wipe out the Jews and take over the world. And what do the rest of us do? Same thing we did at Munich in 1938: talk peace while our enemies prepare for war. My heroes. "The lesson of history is that we do not learn the lessons of history," Hagel once said. How prophetic.

John Simpson, Nashua, NH USA

Americans !!!!

What give them the right to say what regimes need changing. They should look at their own crooked regime before making comments on other nations. Why is it so wrong for Iran to have an atomic capability for power production, or even defence. The standard Yankee position of"we can't trust them" is hypocritcal as the only nation tou use atomic power for destructive purposes is America. With their record on human rights and their use of force with gay abandon, I agree with Bromley Dave, "I'm Afraid of Americans"

Late for the last two big ones, they seem to be rushing to be on time for the third.

Michael Holloway, Sydney, Australia/ NSW

Please remember 10 years from now when a Muslim extremist sets off a nuke in downtown USA, supplied by the Iranians, how diplomacy is the only way resolve a dispute. Obviously we didn't dicker with Hitler or the Emperor long enough, otherwise WWII could have been avoided.
The real problem in Iraq is that we are trying to fight a war like we deal with our criminals. We should do what we did to Japan and Germany in WWII - maximum fire power till we get no opposition. I don't hear many claiming we were "immoral" in that war (though I sure a few nut jobs out there will). In that case please start learning Arabic and figure out which direction Mecca is...

Stephen M, Sacramento, USA/Ca

Comparing Tony Blair to Neville Chamberlain is altogether erroneous in that it disregards the difference between international relations and intercontinental(global) relations, particularly in the formation of foreign policy. The Munich Agreement was in response to a Nazi regime that had invaded a nation in Europe, namely the Sudentland. Preaching that Blair's decision displays similar cowardice is almost laughable considering the enormous culture gap that presently seperates Britain and Iran. With more questions arising everyday (even in the USA) about the overall cogency of the war in Iraq, Blair's decision to avoid military action in Iran is completely rational.

Alex H., Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Ok I guess I'll have to stear these comments in the right direction. This talk is all jibber jabber. Wake up people this whole planet is being rearranged by the New World Order!
Yes it is true. They knocked down the towers, and created a phony reason to go to war. Please go to infowars.com learn the truth, and watch Loose Change. I promise it will blow your mind.

Paul, Peoria, AZ

Think long and hard about this. If its ok to bomb Iran into the middle ages for daring to develop an atomic bomb, why is there not a peep about Israel?

Luan Chan, Windhoek, Namibia

Anyone got any independent evidence of this alleged "Iranian threat"? Any evidence produced by Bush or Blair will of course be considered tainted goods and have zero credibility.

Never believe anything until is officially denied. I believe that the US and UK are planning to attack Iran. Better pray that the Iranians don't have an operational nuclear weapon already.

Marroc, Berks,

Regardless of our prejudices or our backgrounds, Iran is a sovereign nation, and as such expects and wants to receive equal footing in world affairs. They have all the resources to achieve their goals and objectives. Anything less will be rejected by the Iranians. If there are any doubts just look at the result of U.S. and North Korea relationship. Jaw jaw is so much better than war war.

Shahin S., Arcadia, California

i am sure if somebody knocked on the door of iran (maybe a retired none political blair) take time and both listen to each other, talk to the oragan grinder not the monkey, it would work out well for all sides , the irainian people i have met are very like us anglo saxons they just want to live there lives

steve dinnes, landres, france

Biker Dude, you are quite right, "ignorance is a luxury the US cannot afford to let stand in the way of what has to be done." But I think that your logic fails to consider what the "ignorance" is. Successive US administrations - many of which I have a great deal of respect for - have failed to encourage the country to become properly engaged in the world. There was, until 2001, a culture of isolationism that was endemic in the US, with a significant proportion of the population not ever having a passport, and many being unable to point to key countries on a map of the world. The US's trenchant belief in the rightness of its way of life allowed no room to consider that other possibilities might exist. As a result 9/11 left the nation shocked (and in many cases it still is) that foreigners might hate it. If the US cannot afford ignorance, then it must start by trying to see itself through the eyes of those with different - but valid - entrenched beliefs.

M Cockerham, London, United Kingdom

The doctrine of preventive strikes on the basis of false information and propaganda has created the chaos in Iraq. Instead of focusing on the threat of radical terrorists this policy has galvanized more terrorists and created a failed state in Iraq. Although many experienced foreign and military experts warned about the disaster invading and occupying Iraq would bring and although millions of people in the UK and US opposed abrogating international law and unilateraly invading a sovereign nation that posed no direct threat to either the US and UK - Bush and Blair made the biggest strategic blunder in recent memory and now we have Iraq in a death spiral of chaos and a haven for terrorists that are getting valuable experience in attacking US & UK military forces. While now the US & UK are harping on the Iranian nuclear program, neither of them of mentions Israel already having nuclear weapons. And under the NPT Iran has a right to a nuclear fuel cycle. None have produced evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. Bomb Iran and the Middle East will be in flames and the blow back will last a generation.

ab initio, Nashville, TN

"I am sick and tired of Americans thinking that they know best for us all. We don't want their bigotted, bullying, overbearing world view, their bases or manipulation of our government any more. " -- Ed Ingle, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Why didn't your gov't say that in WWII? If it weren't for the U.S., you would be speaking German. Tony Blair had no choice in the matter. Britain is repaying a favor from WWII and everybody knows it, but no one will say it. You will read about this in a book many years from now.

Alfred O'shea, New York, NY

I'm so glad that Mr Blair doesn't agree with those evil American hawks. We can work this out diplomatically.

If we all just sit down together in front of a nice cozy fire while sipping on latte, we can eventually convince Mr Ahmadinejad not to wipe Israel and the West off the map.

This strategy failed with Hitler only because the meeting didn't end with a big group hug.

Please people! Give Peace A Chance!

birkenstock boy, San Jose, California

Mr. Baldwin details what the people he calls "hawks" are pressing for in the US administration: "keep[ing] the military option 'on the table' [and] ... pressing the Pentagon to examine specific war plans — including, it is rumoured, covert action". Isn't advocating military action the definition of hawkishness? What would you have him call it?

Iran was ready to be an ally in the war on terror, but the Keystone cops Bush administration added them to the "Axis of Evil" just to stop people from getting the impression they were focussing exclusively on Iraq. Al-Qaeda is their enemy as well as ours (the split between Sunnis and Shiites goes very deep). Iran's nuclear program is certainly frightening and the Iranian government is definitely oppressive, but war and childish bullying are NOT the answer. How many times do we have to try it to figure out that?

Scott Hays, Hong Kong,

What so many are failing to realize is that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a radical Sunni Muslim, and as such he believes he is to usher the return of the 'Madhi' - the fabeled 12th Iman who went down a well, and as legend states, would return when the world is in total caios. His return will bring all the world under the control of the Sunni Muslims and bring about world peace. These are his beliefs, he wants to destroy 'the Great Satan' (U.S.) and the 'little Satan' (Israel) and has made no apologies about it. Ahmadinejad WANTS nuclear war - to him it will hasten the return of his messiah. Iran is playing a global game of chess with the west, and we are approaching 'end game' and most don't even realize we are even in the game! It is time to wake up before it is too late. As soon as Iran has nuclear weapons, they will use them!

Tony, Seattle , Wa/USA

As any student of history knows, there is never a diplomatic solution unless it is backed by a credible military alternative. Those that view the two options as opposing are naive. Military posturing is an integral component of achieving diplomatic success.

Jim, Atlanta, Ga

now is the time to come to the aid of your country.

J Cool, Coolpertown, USA

It's interesting to consider how the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan have given U.S. war planners open air corridors on both the east and west sides of Iran. Unchallenged overflight is a great tactical advantage for surprise and greatly increases the possible directions from which air strikes on Iran may originate. If U.S. bases within Iraq and Afghanistan were utilized, a cruise missile / bomber strike could be off the ground and over targets inside Iran in a matter of minutes with sorties originating from multiple directions. Less time in the air equals less time for detection and even less for reaction on the ground. More directions equals more confusion.

To suggest that G.W. Bush didn't have Iran on his mind when he made the case to invade Iraq is a bit self-deceiving, I'd say. Iran has been the real rogue element in the Middle East for years. In my opinion, Iraq and Afghanistan are simply side shows, pretexts for establishing beachheads and precursors to the main event.

Tom Hopkins, Atlanta, GA, USA

The United States should spend it's dollars on shoring up it's DEFENSIVE strength instead of attacking countries perceived to be a threat. So we got rid of Saddam and his henchmen. Big deal....was it worth the cost? Hell no.

John Bailey, Nashville, Tennessee

Killing more, is definitely not the answer.
The worn out pattern of "war on terror" with this double standards in the nuclear field, will create misery, unnecessary suffering and eventually more violence.
Had the West been more ethical, it would have certainly wined the mind of people.

Homa E, Tehran, Iran

Why does everyone seem to think Mr. Blair has followed Mr. Bush blindly? Read his writings and speeches before Mr. Bush was elected and you'll find that Tony Blair advocated removing Saddam even before Bush.

This characterization Tony Blair as a Bush follower is as ridiculous as characterizing Margaret Thatcher as a Ronald Reagan lapdog. Mr. Blair has always rightfully followed his own conscience on foreign policy matters. Just because two leaders agree on certain issues does not mean one leader is subservient to the other.

It’s a disservice