Letter: Gulf crisis

THE only method that will solve the Iraq problem at its root is communication. It is time now, in the teeth of the crisis, to be even bolder: to convene a meeting involving all the nations of the Middle East, including all those who have stocks of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and the US.

The aim of the meeting should be to address fear: Iraq's fear of Iran, Iran's fear of Iraq, Israel's fear of her Arab neighbours, America's fear of Islamic fundamentalism, the Kurds' fear of annihilation, and all the other massive fears which pervade the region. Until these are addressed, there will be no peace.

Dr SCILLA ELWORTHY

Director

Oxford Research Group