THE paucity of argument revealed by those who favour a 'regime change' in Iraq leaves me incredulous and angry.

I can't believe that leaders of modern nation states, especially those who describe themselves as champions of democracy, can act like war-crazed despots ignoring all reason in a bloody pursuit of war.

Their argument is numbingly crude and simplistic.

It goes like this - Saddam Hussain is a dangerous man with weapons of mass destruction.

He must be stopped.

Yes, Saddam Hussain is a dangerous tyrant.

That's why America supported him in his war against the fundamentalist Muslims in Iran and supplied him with weapons of mass destruction.

The Taliban and Al-Quaida are both despicable and odious.

But the Americans were happy to supply them with weapons in their battle against the Russians in Afghanistan.

Basically, US self-interest determines whether they support or demonise despotic regimes.

It's now in the US interest to have a large military presence in the Middle East so it's easy to exaggerate the threat posed by Saddam as a justification for war.

He's a nasty menace (we've always known that) but even UN weapons inspectors say his weapons capability is limited and almost pre-historic compared to the US (a country with more weapons of mass destruction that the rest of the world put together)

For a more accurate motive look at what's in the US self-interest and you begin to see that the threat of the oil-rich Middle East turning to a militant brand of Islam is more than they can bear.

As the world's biggest, energy consuming superpower they need to be where the oil is or at least have puppet Governments in place.

Iraq will be the first 'regime change' brought about by missiles and bombs but what if the war destabilises Pakistan?

The US-appeasing dictatorship could be replaced by Islamic fundamentalists who will have access to tried and tested nuclear weapons.

The last thing you want is a suicide bomber with his finger on the nuclear trigger.

How many more ' regime changes' will there have to be?

This is a very complex and difficult situation that needs an intelligent and considered approach.

We need to encourage moderation not indulge in violence on a mass scale (that's what the terrorists want).

I fear for the future, especially with warmongers Bush and Blair in charge.

Their loved ones will not be paying the 'blood price' they call for.

As always, innocent people will suffer the most.

Chris Foster

Ullswater Road

Lancaster