Letter: Strike on Iraq

AS in the First World War, the aims of war against Iraq are clear but the means are so hopelessly ill-adapted to achieving them that the war itself seems pointless.

It is not hard moreover to discern an irrational motive - a personal animus against Saddam Hussein and a desire to inflict humiliation on him regardless of the effects on others, of the degree of international support and of longer-term policy priorities. Only thus is it possible to make sense of the US refusal to concede an inch on sanctions - the obvious diplomatic way out. Personal vendettas are no substitute for a proper policy.

NICK MARTIN-CLARK

London N8