Sir, - I was glad to read the letter from Niall Andrews MEP (July 18th) in which he called for prayer for the beleaguered people of Iraq.
The sanctions have lasted almost 10 years and have caused much misery for many of the 20 million population, and in particular for children.
I lived in Baghdad for several months, before the Iran and Gulf Wars, and I found the city of the "Thousand and One Nights" most hospitable. I enjoyed the beauties of Babylon and many other delights, and the people were very generous. Freedom of religion was widespread: I visited the mosque, and churches of different denominations, including my own.
The influence of someone of the stature of Mr Andrews will be most helpful, and I praise him for his efforts. -Yours, etc.,
George Fennell, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.