IT has been a year dominated by the war against Saddam Hussein's rotten regime in Iraq; a year of suspicion, hatred, fear and bloodshed.

But as 2003 draws towards its end, there are signs of hope. The discovery of Saddam down his coward's hole will, hopefully, accelerate the repositioning of Iraq within the international community, although the challenges which still lie ahead should not be underestimated.

And Colonel Gaddafi's unexpected announcement last week on the dismantling of Libya's weapons of mass destruction is very good news indeed for the world.

Yet the debate rages on: Was it right to bomb Iraq? Was the British Government honest in making the case for war or were we misled?

Did the terrible means justify the end? Did all those innocent people need to die?

Whatever the future for Iraq and for Tony Blair's Government, we do know that the threat of international terrorism remains and the alarms are ringing louder than ever this Christmas.

Saddam Hussein may be in custody but Osama bin Laden and his nest of snakes have not been captured.

There is little doubt that the endeavours of the security services have prevented terrorist strikes in Britain this year. Britain, like America, goes into Christmas with the threat of atrocities at a heightened state. So far, we have been lucky where other countries have not, but there is no room for complacency.

All we can do is pray for a trouble-free Christmas across the world and hope that the New Year brings further progress along the path to global understanding.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones in conflicts this year - whatever their nationality - and with those who continue to serve in hazardous locations with the armed forces abroad.

As we enjoy Christmas at home with our families, let them not be forgotten.

A happy, peaceful Christmas to you all.