Madam, - I hope the Irish Government will resist attempts by the Bush administration to involve it and other UN members in its Iraq débâcle.
George Bush, it would appear, is now anxious to recruit to his side the organisation he so summarily dismissed as irrelevant before the Iraq war. A presidential election is in the offing, so George would now appreciate a little help in getting the "boys" home before the votes are cast.
The United States should in my opinion be left with its "allies" to clear up the mess that they have created. The US has said it needs help to "pacify" Iraq, but if any forces are sent they would have to be put under US command.
Not only does President Bush want the UN to come to his aid; he wants them to do his bidding. To me, shared risk and commitment means to me shared responsibility.
The time has come to stand up to Bush and tell him that United Nations troops will only ever operate under United Nations command.
Those who knocked down buildings and infrastructure with their "smart bombs" and cruise missiles should now rebuild it. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN HORISK, Olde Forge Manor, Belfast 10.