WITH the United States still in shock over the terrorist attack on September 11, they had to act decisively and show they meant business.

But as well as Afghanistan there are more terrorist outposts to clear -- a thankless task.

This is all well and good, but where will it end?

Indeed, they could enter many supposedly terrorist areas in different countries, flush a few out only to see them re-group -- similar to what is happening in Afghanistan -- or show up in an adjoining country.

It could be a continual war of attrition, another Vietnam or worse. A protracted conflict. What concerns me is where do our forces come into the equation, particularly with their recent involvement in Afghanistan for an unlimited time?

While I agree we must play our full part in the alliance to endeavour to end the scourge of terrorism, it appears our troops may be drawn into a struggle of immense proportions and for a very long time -- suffering casualties in the process -- similar to other abortive conflicts in the past, eg., the Suez conflict.

Moreover, the USA may be the 'top dogs' of world wide diplomacy, but they could end up with egg on their face because their gung-ho policies may lead us into a corner.

Indeed, like crime in general, terrorism can be contained, but unfortunately, sadly neither can be fully eliminated.

J Hunt, Bamber Bridge.