Sir, - The Government's policy on the so-called "war on terrorism" appears to be in total contrast to that on the Northern Ireland peace process.
We know from our history that the use of force in response to politically motivated acts of violence is counter-productive - e.g. the "shoot-to-kill" policy, internment, the executions carried out by the British between 1916 and 1922 (including that of Kevin Barry). How would we have reacted if nationalist communities had been attacked by the British because they harboured terrorists?
Yet, without us being asked, our airports are being offered to assist in the attack on Afghanistan. Our support is without reservation when we should be pointing out that whatever progress has been made in bringing peace to the North has been made only when the underlying causes giving rise to the violence are being tackled.
Until the policies of the US and the rest of the West change towards such issues as Palestine, the sanctions on Iraq, and supporting corrupt regimes, there will not be an end to terrorism.
The present attack on Afghanistan will increase the popularity of those who support terrorism and ignite a potentially catastrophic situation across the Muslim world. - Yours, etc.,
Roger Morley, Baneshane, Midleton, Co Cork.