Out of evil can come good

That has to be the fervent wish of the entire civilised world.

The next few weeks and months in Afghanistan will test the faith we have entrusted in the international community.

While there were those who are opposed the use of military force in Afghanistan, surely no one will shed a tear at the destruction of the Taliban regime.

In many ways, winning the war against the Taliban was relatively straightforward. Winning the peace in Afghanistan will be infinitely more difficult.

The British leadership of the multinational security force shows that thus far, Tony Blair has been true to his word that Afghanistan will not be abandoned by the West.

But divisions are already appearing over the role of the force and how long it will remain in the country.

And it is a matter of regret that the commitment of the United States in dismantling the Taliban and hunting down the al-Qaida network does not appear to be matched by its efforts to bring in much-needed humanitarian aid.

To fulfil the role expected of it, the British-led force must not act like an army of occupation.

The history of the past century is littered with the disastrous consequences of super-powers trying to enforce a peace on other countries.

For Afghanistan to establish a long-term stability, the country needs to work to its own strategy and timetable.

The security force must resist the temptation to impose a settlement, but instead facilitate a environment in which the leaders and people of Afghanistan can control their own destiny.

The gift of peace to the long suffering people of Afghanistan will prove that some good has come from evil.

WE applaud the resolve of Cleveland Police to stamp out the menace of drugs and bring dealers to justice.

Christmas will not stop these criminals taking advantage of human misery to make money. So it is only right and proper that the police should not take a break from pursuing them.