Madam, - I am growing tired of the critics of the Iraq war, who have attempted to use the debate about weapons of mass destruction to claim that the invasion was unjustified. Very clear evidence of Iraq's intent has already been uncovered, and a survey of the current evidence must surely convince any objective commentator.
To begin with, the US has already discovered no fewer than two trucks which may possibly have contained chemicals which could conceivably have been used to manufacture weapons of mass destruction. And have we already forgotten the gas masks and rubber suits found during the war? In addition, Iraq contains thousands of glass bottles, into which chemical substances could have been poured. Many thousands of pairs of Wellington boots exist in Iraq, as well as rubber gloves. What possible purpose could they have, apart from being used by workers involved in the manufacturer of WMD?
As if more evidence was needed, coalition forces came across dozens of minibuses in Iraq, obviously intended to transport scientists to and from their secret laboratories, and many trucks and lorries which could have been used to move WMD materials. Tellingly, US forces also found many hundreds of roads in Iraq, along which these nefarious vehicles could move.
Iraq contains millions of tons of sand, under which secret labs could one day be buried, and even irrigated fields, any of which could, at some future date, be used to grow the ingredients of biological weapons.
Coalition forces searching Iraqi government ministries found such incriminating items as paper and glue (obviously for use in labeling chemical containers), sticky tape (for sealing doors and windows) and chairs, upon which Iraqi scientists could easily have sat! The fact that these materials were left out in plain sight attests to the arrogance of the Iraqi regime.
The weight of evidence is irrefutable. It must be obvious to all that Iraq may at some point have considered the possibility of thinking about looking into manufacturing materials which may conceivably have been used to produce possible weapons which may perhaps have fallen into the hands of some potential group who may possibly have considered using them against potential targets which could conceivably have perhaps included the United States, possibly.
I can think of no clearer and or more urgent reason to go to war. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN MacGABHANN, Béal an Daingin, Conamara, Co na Gaillimhe.
Madam, - As I read Michael D. Higgins's (World View, May 31st) I was struck by how lovely the fantasy world he lives in must be. It is a world where everyone does what is "right", a world where "right" is universally understood and readily defined.
Inhabiting a different world has, however, left Mr Higgins unable to understand the reality the rest of us must endure. This has led him to attack the US, the one nation that has guaranteed my continued freedom while also paying my Government for the use of our airports as it does so.
The US has done what all nations have always done. It has attacked what it perceives as a threat - a possible threat from terrorism and a possible threat to world oil supplies. As a result a butcher is no longer in power and I sleep very well knowing this.
That the US must dress this realpolitik up in spin is a testament to its understanding of the sensibilities of intellectuals such as Mr Higgins, sensibilities more in keeping with the soft idealism of middle-class school children.
I would urge Mr Higgins that if he does intend to retire to the Park, please grow up and save me from the inevitable embarrassment of his adolescent naivety. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL BOWLER, Grosvenor Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Madam, - As an Irish American citizen I'm saddened and dismayed at the continuing of Anti-Americanism expressed as a result of the Iraq war. America has always been a friend of Ireland and history has told us that Ireland has always depended on American business. America has always acted in defence of liberty and freedom and has never ever taken territorial gains.
What I am personally afraid of, as someone who has lived in America all my life is that should this attitude continue further Ireland will be the loser. At present American companies have invested billions in Ireland. Stop biting the hand that feeds you. - Yours, etc.,
EILEEN BOYLE, Castle Street, Donegal Town.