241 Pizza

• You claim to be injecting objectivity and caution into a debate that has been hijacked by hysterical pro-democracy ideologues. In fact, it is you who are scouring the globe for every example of how things are not as hopeful as the democrats claim. You tell us that nothing is really changing in the world, and if there is any good news, it has nothing to do with American policy. Oh no. You say that the UN is critical of the new Iraq government. There's a surprise. But the UN is not some authority whose words can be cited as scripture. It is up to its neck in complicity with Saddam's tyranny. "Iraq must one day sort out its own fate." What do you suppose Iraqis are doing just now? Not enough to satisfy you, to be sure. But quite enough to inspire human beings who can hear the call of freedom. George Miller, Hitchin, Herts

  An excellent analysis. The significance of the Iraq elections has been exaggerated by the American and British Governments for domestic consumption. It remains to be seen whether the Americans will allow the Iraqis to form a government that is not acceptable to the US. "Acceptable" almost certainly means Iraqi agreement to permanent US military bases to enable the Americans to respond quickly to any future threat to oil supplies. I agree with you that the people of the Middle East are quite capable of finding their own routes to democracy, provided the West stops propping-up "friendly" autocrats in the Arab world and the Zionist tendency within Israel. It would be naive to imagine that the US is concerned with anything more than its national strategic interests. The pious outpourings from Bush (and his spokesman Blair) of concern for the liberty of the Arabs and Iranians are no more than a smokescreen for exercising a measure of control over Middle Eastern oil. Richard Baker, Maidenhead, Berks

  You are as sensible as ever, but I would hesitate to generalize about the politics of the "muslim world". Nearly 16 million muslims (the second largest national group) live under democracy in India (where they play a crucial role in electoral politics) and rather more in Indonesia. Supriya Guha, Basle, Switzerland

  I can't quite discern the ringing tone of damnation that usually accompanies your columns on the Middle East. Hopelessness appears to be the current theme: if Western democracies touch the Middle East, theocracies/ autocracies/ dictatorships will become only ever more entrenched. Of more concern is the apparent application of what I can only describe as a "Jenkins-lite" analysis to the situation across a wide geopolitical region. Where is the vigorous logic? The historical perspective? This article was a frustrating read, more akin to a Socialist Worker rant ("X is imperfect, therefore we're going to sulk about it"). Would the Simon Jenkins of yore (say, last week?) please return to the front? Dominic Hamer, London

  I find it amazing that you seem to think it best to leave people who are being oppressed to their own devices. I believe that it is our duty, yours and mine, to make sure that oppressed people are allowed to have their views accommodated. If we sit and watch oppressors abuse their position we will see catastrophic and unacceptable events occur, just like what is happening in Zimbabwe. I wonder what your views on Zimbabwe are? Should we sit and watch yet another country solve its own problems? Martin Masenda, Enfield, Middlesex

  Related Links

  • Embattled Syria beats a retreat

  • Syrian regime fights for survival

  • Analysis: Without a friend in the world, it's too icy at home too

  I agree with you. I think that Western intervention and support of regimes such as that in Egypt are what has contributed towards their longevity. Moreover, these regimes' repression of legitimate opposition groups has driven people into more extreme groups which, with some justification, look to the West as the source of their problems. The vicious circle needs to be broken, and the best way to achieve it is for the West to keep out of Middle East politics. Marie-Claire, London

  If you aren’t careful, you’re going to find yourself completely isolated on a little political island, a haven for petulant losers and anti-American “not-in-my-name” peaceniks. Just the idea of free elections for democratic government in the Middle East is a heady one, and Washington has a right to celebrate each tiny step along the way. Whatever the “legality” of the war, thank heavens the White House and Downing Street didn't listen to people like you. Mike Fox, London

  Send your comments on this article using the form below, and they will be considered for publication. It may be necessary to edit your contribution. Wherever possible we would like you to include your name and town of residence. Priority will be given to e-mails providing these details.

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive