Dear all,

Those that have read me in the past will know that I thoroughly disapprove of the poorly planned, immoral and criminally incompetent schoolboy adventure in Iraq.

Sadly everything that I predicted has come to pass, as any half-witted poorly educated idiot with just enough brain cells to scrape over a very thin wafered water biscuit could see from the beginning.

I have been furious at the systematic torture and murder of helpless detainees in US custody.

I have been ashamed at the allegations of the odd incident against detainees in British custody also.

The former stems from the Bush administrations systematic disregard for universal human rights, the Geneva convention and the protocols of International Law.

But beneath the criminal activity that Bush and Rumsfeld presided over, that has destroyed and shamed the US before the withering scorn of the eyes of the entire world lies a body of men and women that deserve the highest accolade.

I am referring of course to the conduct of the vast majority of the coalition troops serving in Iraq.

They have a nasty, dangerous, tough and dirty job to do.

In searing heat, surrounded by hostile Iraqi citizens, not knowing from one minute to the next whether there's a bullet, mortar or roadside bomb with their name on it sending them to their deaths.

While I disagree with US tactics, the soldiers on the ground have to obey orders, and I have no doubt that they acquit themselves with bravery, courage and even with everyday acts of kindness where and when they can.

I do not believe that every American soldier hates all Iraqis and regards them as subhuman.

Every American person that I have met in my life has been warm, generous and welcoming.

They may not be the brightest of people on earth, but they are surely among the kindest.

And this prevailing attitude must surely extend down through the chain of command to the ordinary GI Joe and Jane out there, putting their lives on the line regardless of the many faults of their masters.

The same goes the British soldiers, consummately professional and courageous.

And let us not forget those that have and are serving alongside; the Polish, the Italians, the Thais, the Spanish and all the other servants of their countries that I have little doubt are equally brave and fearless in the execution of their duties.

We don't hear about the many, ordinary, small and yet hugely significant acts of ordinary everyday humanity that these people carry out, spontaneously and with little regard for their own safety out of a common consideration for their fellow humans.

Little is reported of the thousands of soldiers invalided home, their proud lives ruined forever in the theatre of war.

We don't hear about the lives of their parents, brothers sisters and friends, waiting at home, fearful for the safety of their loved ones, the unimaginable hell that must come with every ring of the phone, every letter recieved.

They too are to be cherished in our thoughts and hearts, for all too many have made the supreme sacrifice of out living their sons and daughters.

To all those serving their country, to those that have to endure in this madness, to all of them, if they would be generous enough to recieve it, I offer my most grateful and heartfelt salute.

Your countries are proud of you.

yechydda,