Letter: Clinton's wisdom

Sir: The ability of some politicians and most of the media to misread the public mood is breathtaking.

There are many in this country who are uncertain about the effectiveness and morality of bombing Iraq, but none the less understand the complexities faced by those who take such strategic decisions, and that doing nothing was not an option.

In the United States Clinton is pilloried by Republicans and press alike, yet has the highest approval ratings of any president since the Second World War. His recent advice to his demoralised staff revealed the positive side of a complex individual. He told them to do their best and put their trust in the good sense of the American people. The wisdom of those words will be be seen over the coming months.

JAMES MALLINSON

London NW3