Madam, - The recent London bombings, resulting in the deaths of over 50 innocent commuters, were indeed "particularly barbaric" in the words of British prime minister Tony Blair. The thoughts and sympathies of all right-minded people are with the unfortunate victims and their loved ones.
Ever since Mr Blair committed Britain to an illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Iraq, based on deceit and lies, it has been inevitable that, sooner or later, a bloody retaliation would follow. In the intervening two-and-a-half years tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians have been butchered in a "particularly barbaric" war.
It is important to bear in mind that warmongers Bush and Blair had defied the UN and contemptuously ignored the millions worldwide who called upon them not to go ahead with their "pre-emptive strike".
The unhappy truth is that their arrogance unlocked a Pandora's box of death, destruction and disaster, which continues to escalate. Major responsibility for the horrific London massacre must rest with Tony Blair, who single-handedly ensured that Britain is in the line of fire. Whether the unfortunate victims are blasted to bits in an underground train, or blown to pieces in an aerial bombardment, their equally callous murders cannot be condoned.
It is time to call a spade a spade, and admit that Bush, Blair and their henchmen have been extremely productive recruitment sergeants for the godfathers of "terrorism". Today our world is a far more dangerous place, and the overall security situation has never been more uncertain and threatening. - Yours, etc,
GEAROID KILGALLEN, Crosthwaite Park South, Dunlaoghaire, Co Dublin.