Madam, - Your Editorial of January 24th asserts: "Time and again, the ordinary people of Iraq say what they want: an end to violence and the ability to lead normal lives. The fact that they cannot yet is the fault mainly of the US-led coalition forces".
Excuse me? I thought the violence was being perpetrated by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other insurgents, as the same article admits. The coalition's military action is directed at defeating this, not perpetuating the war.
To test this hypothesis, do you believe that if the coalition were to cease its action or depart, the insurgent violence would stop? - Yours etc.,
TONY ALLWRIGHT, Killiney, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Next Sunday Iraq shall have its long promised elections.
It has been widely reported that the borders will be closed for three days around the election, strict curfews will be in place, Baghdad's airport will be shut for two days, only a limited number of cars with permits will be allowed on the streets, the location of many polling stations is to be kept secret until the last minute and, in addition to Iraqi forces, 150,000 American troops will be providing security.
Such conditions do not seem conducive for free, meaningful, democratic elections. - Yours, etc.,
RICHARD SCRIVEN, Ballinlough, Cork.