As The Citizen has reported, each day the Iraq crisis deepens. The horrific torture allegations have led to world opinion turning even more strongly against the war and the occupation of Iraq. Britain's standing in the world will be further damaged if we send more troops. If they go, it is likely they will be sent to join the attack on Najaf - the Shi'ite equivalent of the Vatican. Such an attack would be highly inflammatory and a significant escalation of our involvement in the disastrous occupation of Iraq. Instead of bringing freedom and democracy, George Bush's representatives have closed down newspapers, bombed a mosque, killed civilians, sold off Iraqi assets and tortured and abused prisoners. Our British troops should not be part of this. It is no wonder the mother in Gloucester, that you reported, is wanting her son back home (14/04/05). We are no longer seen as peacemakers but occupiers. As the only main party that have consistently opposed the war, it should come as no surprise that Greens are calling for a peaceful resolution to be brokered by the UN, involving a withdrawal of US and UK troops and, if necessary, their replacement by a transition force totally independent of the US. However, as this chaotic situation has been caused by the invasion, it is only fair that the US and their allies should pay for the transition and the reconstruction of the country. Moreover, as Bush and Blair claim that the war was not about oil, they will not mind if Iraqi oil is nationalised so that it can be for the benefit of the Iraqi people.

Carol Kambites, Gloucestershire Green Party.