> I am a Christian from Canada who lurks here from time to time. The events this week in the US were horrible despicable acts of terrorism that should not occur anywhere in the world. But these events are a horrible reminder of what others in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere have lived through for many years. I can't help but fear for what will happen if retaliation and revenge drive the response to these acts. Just look at how awful it was in Ireland before people said enough and started to try to find a different way to solve their problems.

Speaking as someone who stands I high chance of being killed by an IRA bomb if their terror campaign continues, I am still horrified by my government's recent pandering to these people. We cannot bow down before such threats: if we do, then all that will happen is that people will realise that terrorism works, and it will be used more and more often.

I hope that after Tony Blair's offer of any neccessary aid in bringing those behind Tuesday's events will also gavanise him into action against the IRA.

winter"Kind of out of character for me, I know"mute