CORRESPONDENT Des More and myself are probably leaning in opposite directions when it comes to politics, but I agree with him when he states that terrorism cannot be justified (HAS, Aug 18), especially since it usually terrorises innocent civilians.

I also feel that those who live here and accept our hospitality, and probably benefits, should refrain from wishing the deaths of British soldiers.

Should they ignore this perfectly reasonable request they should be deported.

When I read that Tony Blair has hired an American lawyer to negotiate who will pay the most for his memoirs (Echo, Aug 17) and then hear of more British soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, I cannot help but wonder how low this man can sink?

Will he donate some of his millions to the Services' benevolent fund or apologise for the misery he has caused to countless families - I doubt it.

We should cut our losses and run, and let the Sunnis, Shias and Kurds sort out their own mess just like the Hindus and Muslims had to do at the partition of India in 1947.

The alternative - more misery, more killing and possibly more terrorism.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.