How can we stand by and accept in our name the most barbaric, depraved torture and massacre of human beings, including the Taliban by the Northern Alliance? It is dehumanising all of us.

We would not tolerate this treatment in our own country, even for the most heinous crimes of rape, torture, murder or terrorism. This is what separates us from these barbaric warlords and is the difference between being civilized and uncivilized.

Those who believe that any adult or child soldier deserves this should perhaps stop and take a good look at themselves. How can we condemn the actions of the Taliban, if we too appear to have regressed into the primitive Dark Ages?

What exactly have we achieved in the unending bombing of one of the poorest countries in the world? All this war has achieved is to decimate an already damaged country and its people and to replace one cruel and barbaric group, with an equally cruel and barbaric group, which will cause never-ending civil war and breed more terrorists. Oh, and let's not forget that Bin Laden has still not been captured, despite all this and a massive reward.

America will scurry home once again, after they have completely carpet-bombed the entire country, leaving a bloodbath and their cluster bombs to maim and kill future generations. I fear the consequences of our ill thought out and revenge-based actions will haunt us for decades to come.

What a waste of innocent lives, money and resources a heavy price for the British taxpayer, for an abortive attempt to stop terrorism. I am sure that more people each day are wondering when the war will stop being a smokescreen for Tony Blair to avoid dealing with the many serious problems we have at home.

Most of our MPs (including Gardiner, Boateng and Daisley) are scared of defying the government whip, even though many of them must now be having serious doubts. It is essential that more pressure is put upon them and I urge readers to contact their local MP and support groups such as Brent Against The War.

The few courageous MPs who have dared to declare their opposition to the bombings have been ridiculed and have put their careers on the line. They also need our support, as they will be proved right.

Zerine Tata

Kingsway

Wembley