I write, appalled at the lack of condemnation of the recent U.S. tactics in Iraq. Over 700 Iraqis, including more than 350 women and children, have been killed by US bombing and ground force operations. This excessive force on top of closing a key newspaper, selling Iraqi assets and setting up a "puppet democracy" seem designed to provoke revolt. Most Iraqis are worse off than a year ago. The humanitarian costs of this war are rising sharply, both inside Iraq and amongst Muslims here in the UK - who are increasingly being seen as terrorism suspects by the Government, the media and even the police. This chaos is thanks in part to Blair's decision to take us to war on the basis of lies and deceit. Blair now plans to send more British troops. Key military experts have condemned this policy, yet Labour, Tories and Lib Dems see occupation for years as the answer. Iraqis are rapidly losing faith in the ability of the occupying forces to maintain order. This pool of disaffected is ripe for terrorists to recruit. We are no longer seen as peacemakers but occupiers. Greens call for the only sensible and just solution: the immediate withdrawal of troops and a peaceful resolution to be brokered by the UN.

Philip Booth, Press Officer, Gloucestershire Green Party.