Sir, Congratulations on your excellent interview with Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Nicholas Houghton (25 December). I agree with him that bombing is not the best way to defeat Daesh. However, he still supports airstrikes against Daesh, not only in Iraq but in Syria too. I disagree with him when he argues that bombing Syria will not radicalise young people in this country if we get the messaging that our involvement in Syria is for specific purpose. What people see is not that we are just targeting Daesh but it is seen that we are bombing a sovereign state without the permission of its government. In addition, even though we are using sophisticated bombs to avoid collateral damage, civilians will inevitably be killed and the images will be used by Daesh as propaganda material.
Yours,
Fatima Ali
London
Sir, Very good interview with Sir Nicholas Houghton. You asked very good questions. You covered a lot of ground with him, about bombing of Iraq, Syria, radicalisation, legality of airstrikes in Syria, support of Arab and Muslim countries to participate in Syria, use of ground troops, working with President Assad, whom we wanted to be overthrown and assassination of British citizens.
He is wrong when he says he wants Muslim countries to provide ground troops in Syria as this would create havoc. They are more interested in overthrowing Assad than fighting Daesh.
Assassination of British citizens is wrong too. It is against international law. There has to be a due process of law.
Yours,
Ali Omar
Manchester