Resistance to the US-led occupation, which had been low-level but constant, has spread dramatically in the past week.

Coalition forces are now fighting on two fronts - against Sunni militants based in Falluja, west of Baghdad, and against Moqtadr Sadr's Shia militia in the south.

The threat of civil war has led some analysts to ask whether the plan for a transfer of power to Iraqis on 30 June might be unravelling.

Read your earlier comments on the situation in Iraq.

The following comments reflect the balance of the opinions we have received:

Bring the troops home, no more war, let them figure it out on their own Marjorie Drake Grisak, Rosarito, Mexico

Bush and his oil baron cronies have created quite a mess; it is possible that the Sunni's and the Shia's will unite and then we will really have a Holy War. Enough is enough! Bring the troops home, no more war, let them figure it out on their own, and let's pay attention to the real issues in USA such as unemployment, health care, gun control and a just and balanced social structure, environmental issues, the national debt, drug abuse, and immigration policies to name a few. That's where I want my tax dollars to go.
Marjorie Drake Grisak, Rosarito, Mexico

Historically there has always been peace after war, so I am hopeful. This war is really tough in my opinion since WMD have not been found, Saddam has been captured... no reason left to occupy a country. Maybe the definition of freedom for Iraqis is NOT to have either Saddam or foreign forces rule them. Would you accept foreign rule no matter how bad/corrupt your government is? Maybe the world is hurting Iraqis' self-respect! Democracy in US, UK and India have their own version. Iraq may its own too!!
Sangam Dhruva, USA

I believe that the coalition forces must hand control over to the Iraqi people rather than bring in more forces. As long as the US appears to be telling the Iraqis what to do there will still be problems. Unfortunately the US is in the position where nobody else wants to help. They are now in the position, of damned if they do, damned if they don't.
Paul, Northampton, UK

Sending in more and more troops is never going to do anything but provide militants with more targets. What is needed is to get the militants out of Islam by rooting out the extremist mullahs from the mosques and madrasas. When a school teacher tells an 11 year old boy that his Islamic duty is to be suicide bomber you deal with the teacher not the boy.
Peter, Germany

The Islamic fanatic's forces are acting like bullies in liberated Iraqi territories Jamal, Basra, Iraq

For the past few years the majority of the world warned Islamic terrorists to back off from their belligerent stand. Now we know why. The Islamic fanatic's forces are acting like bullies in liberated Iraqi territories. While they continue to mercilessly kill ordinary Iraqi citizens whom they want to enslave again the whole world is watching in sheer agony and grief. It's time for the Islamists to lay down their arms and leave the people of Iraq alone.
Jamal (Iraqi Christian), Basra, Iraq

How is it possible to use yet more military aggression to "pacify"? The use of this term illustrates the fundamental problem with the current American approach to foreign policy. I am disgusted.
Eleanor, France

As a Muslim male I'm deeply offended by the way that a mosque was hit killing 40 civilians. However I understand the need and congratulate the coalition on what is a difficult job in Iraq.
Premal Gohil, South Harrow, UK

Those saying the US will "reap the whirlwind" may be right. But you can be assured that America will deliver ten whirlwinds of its own. Iraq's citizens must not come under the control of aggressive clerics or fall back under the sway of Sunni barbarians. We are doing the right thing.
Darren Springer, Greenville, SC

The comments of Darren Springer really exemplifies why Iraq is a complete shambles. You cannot dictate to other people who they choose to believe or follow. This is completely patronising and arrogant. If they want to follow a religious path, then that is up to them. One thing is universal though: no-one likes Americans telling them what to do and people have a right to fight their occupiers. So no, there will be no peace as long as the Americans think the Middle East is something they own and can do what they like with.
Bilal Patel, London, UK

It seems to me that much of the current unrest with the Iraqi Shia population could have been avoided if the US had followed Sistani's plea for a timetable for direct and open elections. We have beat around the bush, plotted and schemed, to orchestrate a stable democracy while Iraqi frustration began to boil. The recent Sadr uprising is no minority movement. A recent BBC poll shows 58% of the Iraqis oppose Coalition troops. The best we can do is cede authority to the UN, establish a clear timetable for direct elections- and leave. Isn't that true democracy?
Jeff Birdsong, Atlanta, GA

There already is or soon will be a civil war in Iraq Alla Lee, New York, NY

The June 30th deadline to hand over the power in Iraq is completely unrealistic. It was questionable when initially established and now, in light of the escalation of violence and chaos in the country, it looks like a bad joke. To whom does the coalition intend to transfer the power (of which it itself has a precious little)? There already is or soon will be a civil war in Iraq. For now, both Sunnis and Shias will fight the coalition; after it's gone, they will fight each other. Ignorance, arrogance and unlimited military power are a dangerous combination at any time and in any country, but, unfortunately for Iraq and the entire world, this is what defines the current White House administration.
Alla Lee, New York, NY

I wasn't going to comment on this, seeing as its just another exercise in America bashing, but all this nonsense about pulling and letting the UN take over has got to stop. When Clinton pulled our troops out of Somalia it only encouraged our enemies. When Spain threatened to pull out its troops from Iraq it only encouraged our enemies. I think all of this fighting is a direct result of Spain's new government, because now the thugs and nutcases like al-Sadr think that if they can make the situation bad enough then we'll all cut and run.
Zach Smith, Bloomington, IN USA

It is amazing that so many people here see solution to the Iraq problem in an increased role of the UN and West Europeans. Is has been proven empirically time and time again that neither United Nations, nor European powers have political will, guts and wherewithal to bring any significant change to the situation in ANY country, including Iraq. It is also amazing that none of the writers seem to know that most of the violence in Iraq is stirred up and logistically and financially supported by Iran: more specifically by the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. Yes, perhaps more U.S. military should be sent to the Middle East, but not to Iraq, but to IRAN!
Mirek Kondracki, Alexandria, VA, USA

To Mirek Kondracki, Alexandria, VA, USA, so now you want to attack Iran because there are problems in Iraq? It reminds me that there are also unresolved problems left in Afghanistan. Do the US intend to attack every Muslim countries in the world because they can't bring stability in any of them? That would be a great policy, Bin Laden would certainly love that - the same way he is happy to see the Iraq war as it has awakened hundreds of new terrorists.
Luc, France

The U.S. authorities should negotiate with Mr. Sadr. Guarantee him the right to run for election next January in exchange for calling off his army. If he refuses, it is because he knows he will never gain power through legitimate means. If he agrees, then calm will be restored. If he is later elected then it is what the people want and its their problem if they later find out that they made a mistake.
Rebecca, Chicago, Illinois

Bombing a mosque, even if it is being used by militia, will only infuriate more of the population Edna, Hilo/Hawaii

Do the US have no concept of Moslem culture? Bombing a mosque, even if it is being used by militia, will only infuriate more of the population and lead to an ever increasing spiral of death and destruction. This is a war the US can not win. They would have been wise to watch the film Princess Bride, where one of the characters accurately says "Never get involved in a land war in Asia".
Edna, Hilo/Hawaii (Expat)

Of course there can be peace. Once these religious fanatics put down their arms and stop trying to claim Iraq in the name of Islam and start working towards the better good of the country. If 100% of the oil went to Saddam or some other Arab, how did/does that benefit the Iraqis? If the shiites control the country under their brand of Islam, how does THAT help the non-shiites, or non-muslims, such as the Assyrians or the Jews? And where are the moderate muslims out there condemning these acts of murder and suicide as ha'aram? Peace in the Iraq? Yes. Put the radicals OUT once and for all, and let them know that if they want death, they'll find it.
Nick, Toronto, Canada

All during this war the majority of the world warned both Bush and Blair to back off from their belligerent stand. Now we know why. The US occupation forces are acting like bullies in occupied territories. While they continue to mercilessly kill ordinary Iraqi citizens whom they have come to liberate the whole world is watching in sheer agony and grief. It's time for the US to pull out and hand sovereignty to a UN government.
Kashif Saeed, Peshawar, Pakistan

The insurgences are a true manifestation of loss of hope Rowland Ogundu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The way forward does not necessarily require reinforcement but to re-strategise. The insurgences are a true manifestation of loss of hope. The people of Iraq only need someone to trust. I am most confident that if Russia, France or Germany were to get involved in the transitional/rebuilding process, the lost hope of the Iraqis would be uplifted. The United Nations must compel the US to open up sincere negotiations with these three countries to enable peace come, not only to Iraq but the entire Middle East.
Rowland Ogundu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Considering the US has had 12 years since the first Gulf War to prepare to take Iraqi oil, it is all the more astonishing how short-sighted they were in their plan to do so. At the present the US is attempting to create chaos so that a June 30 handover will be impossible. They have created another Israel-Palestine type war of attrition and driven another wedge between the west and the Middle-East.
Mohammed, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The occupying force must withdraw and the UN must take over responsibility for administration and security. An agreed timetable for direct elections must be set. UN peacekeepers should be exclusively from Muslim countries (Turkey, Bangladesh, etc) and the US and UK should pay for peacekeeping, war reparations and reconstruction costs.
Shakeeb, Bangkok

If Iraqis feel impatient over a perceived "lack" of security in their country, they should consider how the security situation might deteriorate if the US was to leave Iraq. Additionally, they ought to consider the effort, material assistance and sacrifice the US and many individual Americans are/ have made for the betterment of the Iraqi nation and the lives of its people.
Mik, Denver, USA

Sending more troops to Iraq is not the answer for achieving peace and stability Soli, Botswana

Bush has plunged Iraq into complete chaos. His current strategy is failing. Sending more troops to Iraq is not the answer for achieving peace and stability. Resistance against the US is mounting heavily in Iraq. The revolting Iraqis may not win the war against the US, but hate will prevail.
Soli, Botswana

More troops to be killed is not the answer. What the US needs is to bring hope as well as food, water, power. The US needs to gain the trust of Iraq and more troops will not send that message.
Kevin, California, USA

The USA still has plenty of available military personnel around the world. I see no reason why it shouldn't move its military out of other countries and into Iraq, and then our troops can come home.
Louise, Sydney, Australia

The fact that the US will send more troops to Iraq is unnecessary. Let the UN implement its role in Iraq and let the Iraqi people have the right to protect themselves and develop their own country.
Nhu Truc Le, Danang City, Vietnam

The only reason that makes any sense for my government to have invaded Iraq is this: to project its military might into the Middle East and thus gain global political advantage. If the Bush administration has trouble making its motives clear to Iraq & the world, it is because they know their motivations are at best unpalatable and at worst criminal.
Alex, New Haven, USA

The best thing is to remove the majority of the force out of Iraq Leo, Vancouver, Canada

The best thing is to remove the majority of the force out of Iraq, and leave the minimum force needed to help Iraq to build a democratic society.
Leo, Vancouver, Canada

No, not as long as others (like the Europeans) don't. "The world" has been terribly negligent on the issue of contributing to improving the situation in Iraq and in other crisis areas, it's long past time for you to step up and pitch in more, much more.
Patrick, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Iraq is the new Lebanon. Lets hope the coalition has the stomach to stay to the end this time.
Paul, UK

The United States and its allies should remain steadfast in resisting these ruthless militants Radin Amante, Manila, Philippines

The United States and its allies should remain steadfast in resisting these ruthless militants. Moderate Iraqis should be given some proof of the world's commitment never to leave them again to the forces of chaos and oppression. I am thankful that leaders such as Bush, Blair, Howard, Berlusconi and Aznar stepped up to the plate to take that challenge on.
Radin Amante, Manila, Philippines

The worst thing that the US could do now is cut and run, Somalia-style. What's required is a long-term commitment to building a new, democratic Iraq, and that's going to require Americans on the ground for the foreseeable future. If naysayers want to call that "occupation," then so be it.
K, Haslemere, UK

There is now no hope that a reasonable solution can be found. US stupidity and lack of understanding of the situation in Iraq inevitably led to this. Pandora's Box has opened. The US will reap the whirlwind.
Peter Meldrum, Ottawa, Canada

The oil business is as messy, dirty and sticky as the commodity itself Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad, Kaduna, Nigeria

Bush attacked Iraq primarily to take control of the vast oil reserves of Iraq and establish a permanent military base in the region just to keep the oil flowing. Now Bush as a former oil executive should have known that the oil business is as messy, dirty and sticky as the commodity itself. He's only succeeded in putting more American lives at great danger.
Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad, Kaduna, Nigeria

We've just witnessed a first, dangerous crossover of violence. It was inevitable that the Baathists in the Sunni triangle would hate the Americans and fight them. However, galvanising the radical elements among the Shias was avoidable and should have been avoided. Now they too are spoiling for a fight. God help us all if there is a second crossover to the mainstream Shias. In that case, Iraq will become a Chechnya-meets-Somalia.
Jean, Paris, France

I think what's needed is a concerted hearts and minds campaign. The Iraqi people need to know why the troops are there and what the intentions of the coalition are. Without the Iraqis on board the radicals will snowball support. At the moment, from the point of view of the Iraqi people, the aims of the "conquerors" seem incredibly fuzzy.
Mike McCreadie, Leicester

It astonishes me how little this US administration cares about sacrificing young soldiers all for the sake of oil and now even more will go to their deaths. One cannot invade a country, put foreign contractors in to rebuild it, etc and expect the people living there not to react when their land is being taken over completely. The US seems to be pushing things too far and some day soon I believe something is going to give.
Korrina, Australia

The Bush administration said that the coalition forces will withdraw in the 30th June, why all this violence before? Can't the Iraqi people wait a bit or is it just a way for the Shias to assure themselves that they will take the command of an interim Iraqi government.
Lydia, Beirut

People in Iraq need more time to understand what democracy really is Hiwa Afandi, Sweden

People in Iraq need more time to understand what democracy really is, they expected quick changes both politically and economically what they have not seen yet. Saddam's regime oppressed people for a very long period of time, most of people don't really know what they want.
Hiwa Afandi, Sweden

Everyone knew that Bush and Blair were opening up Pandora's Box and this doesn't come to me as a surprise at all. If the US really wants democracy why Iraq, why not Saudi Arabia or Pakistan? Unless the US drops all claims in Iraq and allows the UN to take control with more forces, it will be chaos altogether.
Prakash, Washington DC, USA

The US is sinking gradually into a quagmire. The Bush Administration should understand that violence is not the solution to the Iraqi problem.
Thomas Montford, Liverpool, England

People who are advocating that the US pulls out and the UN takes over should read some history Sean O'Connor, Cambridge, UK

I think people who are advocating that the US pulls out and the UN takes over should read some history and learn just how unsuccessful the UN was in Rwanda. After 10 Belgian soldiers were killed most UN soldiers were pulled out (!) and then 800,000 innocent people were hacked to death. Oh, and don't forget Srebrenica too.
Sean O'Connor, Cambridge, UK

The oil solution was not worth Iraq's hatred for the Americans. Now the U.S. looks far from valid and apparently forged many documents to head for war. The American media also continues to spread lies without critical questioning of their own governments actions.
Jamal, Canada

The hypocrisy is disgusting Paul Barrows, Nottingham UK

How on Earth can an illegal occupation following an illegal invasion claim 'legitimate authority', while stripping Iraq's own representatives of a voice. The hypocrisy is disgusting.
Paul Barrows, Nottingham UK

George Bush promised to unite the people of Iraq and he seems to have kept his promise. Regardless of religious allegiance the Iraqi's all now have a common bond. They hate the Americans!
Ben, Oxford, UK

US Helicopter gunships shooting up a district of the capital city of Iraq - Al Qaeda must be rubbing its hands with glee. They can go to the people in the Middle East and say: 'look at the westerners crying about terrorism, while blasting our cities with rockets'.
Gavin, Brighton, UK

The Iraqi's are entitled to free their land from illegally occupying foreign forces. American violence will only breed violence.
A Noorali, London, UK

A few years back Saddam the tyrant's gunships were shooting at there own people... America the "Just" opposed it. I wonder how we justify this now? What is the difference? Somebody please explain. I am also still waiting for some news of the WMDs and the mushroom cloud potential of Saddam that threatened the world.
Rahul Ravi, Edmonton, Canada

How can we as the human race ever proceed and evolve when you have this thing called religion that hampers our every move.
Greg, UK

It is foolish to believe that Iraq will be made peaceful by dividing it. The Iraqi people are not asking for the dismemberment of their country. Carving out little compliant Halliburton protectorates is not the way to go.
Bora, USA

The violence is a consequence of an ill-thought out occupation. Why does the US and the UK think that it can impose their view of the rule of law in Iraq? Such stupidity on Blair's part!
Dr Ian D Thatcher, Leicester, England

The country, region, and world will benefit from a stable and democratic Iraq Simon, San Jose, CA, USA

The long term gains will outweigh the cost, as the country, region, and world will benefit from a stable and democratic Iraq.
Simon, San Jose, CA, USA

"...you cannot be master in another man's home..." - Ancient Chinese 'warrior' priest.
Bob, Earth

Should the U.S withdraw the situation in Iraq would become worse. Remember Afghanistan?
Joseph Collier, Georgetown. Guyana

The media give undue prominence to such actions. And because of that the militants and terrorists take the actions to exploit the media coverage. Would they be doing it if there were no cameras and coverage? I thought the BBC's recent documentary and surveys at the time of the 1st anniversary of the war showed that the majority of Iraqi's wanted no part in such militant action. So why does the BBC then give so much coverage. Come on BBC, focus on the positives instead of the negatives for a change.
Lawrence, UK

To Lawrence, UK : You are asking for the BBC to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. I would rather the BBC focused on the truth, something that I believe they have been doing. I'm sure most Americans would describe their media as 'positive' but I'd describe it as biased and misleading.
Jack Thomas, Bangkok, Thailand

Iraq has to find its own stability Graham, England

We partitioned Africa based on our own political needs and paid no heed to various tribal, religious and ethnic differences on that continent. Look at the wars that have ensued! Haven't we learned anything? Iraq has to find its own stability and unfortunately I think that means the country will have to be split up.
Graham, England

Faced with a critical decision one year ago, the president of the USA opted to invade a country whose customs and culture it knew very little about in order to 'bring' democracy to the world. One year later, the folly of the decision has become apparent. Perhaps it was necessary to remove the dictatorship in Iraq but that job was for the UN and the people of Iraq and the Middle East. The USA has disturbed an ants' nest due to a lack of foresight and rational decision-making.
Randall, Trinidad

The United States is to blame for this recent violence. Why did they ban Sadr's newspaper? The Americans claim they have brought democracy to Iraq. Well democracies do not ban newspapers! It is time for the United States to realise that its war and subsequent occupation of Iraq is wrong and should leave Iraq once and for all.
Ahmed Mohammed Hassan, Manama, Bahrain

While the Iraqis may have welcomed us at first, no-one likes an occupying power Walt, USA

Even before the war began, I predicted that we would win the war, but lose the peace. I was criticised for being defeatist. Now, however, those people who thought that the present US government knew best are having second thoughts. While the Iraqis may have welcomed us at first, no-one likes an occupying power.
Walt, USA

The best way to restore stability and security in Iraq would be for the CPA to reinstate the Iraqi army and hand over full sovereignty to the Iraqi Governing Council and the Iraqi people.
Zaid Al-Hindawi, Iraqi in London, UK

My company works in Iraq and I recently came home from Baghdad. There are many more positive aspects that the media never mentions and that concerns me. For instance the school system has improved vastly and education has to be number one. This is not some overnight party and we will be home by morning. This is a long term situation and it does not help that other European countries refuse to get involved.
Nick Ashton, Fort Myers, Florida

These events are just another inevitable outcome of this incomparably ill-advised invasion David, London, UK

These events are just another inevitable outcome of this incomparably ill-advised invasion. To hear of 'pacification' with rockets reminds me of Vietnam. The only way to stability is probably through clerical rule, which is a very bad outcome. I don't see that the interim government can survive in this climate, which will lead inexorably to coalition withdrawal.
David, London, UK

Asking about US Policy in Iraq? It was wrong from the beginning. However, the Shias who are protesting for power, I say they are not right either because those who use religious powers to get political powers, could never be sincere to both religion and politics.
Sadiq Ali Bohra, Hyderabad, Pakistan

Oops! we didn't see this one coming did we? From the start the Americanisation of Iraq has been a shambles. Is it any wonder that a nation created so haphazardly by us Brits was doomed to fail? No, exactly, the only solution left is full USA withdrawal, let the UN in and get on with elections. This will probably cause thousands more deaths, including UN peacekeepers, probably create a Islamic state no less brutal than Saddam's regime, and eventually the break up of Iraq into Sunni, Shia and Kurdish states. This will ongoing consequences for the region, probably beginning with Kurdish extremists in Turkey getting violent and vocal. Oh dear if only people could see beyond the Oil!
Simon, Reading

Why, once again, has the media only focused on the minority who want violence and unrest? Why have they not assessed the situation as a whole, and looked into the fact that most Iraqis are glad that Saddam is gone? The fact that the worldwide media is only focusing on the limitedly awful aspects of the war is not only insulting to our soldiers serving in the war now, but especially to those who have given their lives.
N.J.P., New Brunswick, NJ

Thanks to Bush & Co. even more Iraqi blood will be spilled. One doesn't arrest Muslim holy men, close a popular newspaper, install a puppet government and not expect an oppressed people to react to an occupation army. Yes, I love my country, the USA, but I like it even more when our troops are here at home instead of having to fight and die for the sake of our current administration's empire building.
J Wells, Santa Paula CA USA

US is caught between a rock and a hard place. It has to maintain the good will of the people and yet has to maintain the rule of law. Heavy-handed operations should be avoided at all costs.
Jonathan, London

If the allies and interim Iraq Governing Council don't get a grip of the situation and come down hard on those stirring up hatred and intolerance, then Iraq will descend into civil war which the US-backed coalition will have great difficulty walking away from.
R. Petrie, Dundee, Scotland UK

The US administration has cleverly painted itself into a corner. The only moral - and probably the only workable - solution to Iraq is partition into Shia, Sunni and Kurd nations. Unfortunately the USA has promised Turkey that they won't do this. But without partition, and without a leader with Saddam's strength, the likely outcome will be the same as Yugoslavia after Tito went. Poisoned chalice, anyone?
Simon Richardson, London, UK

Strong action against those who use inappropriate violence during this phase is necessary Barry Gater, Haslemere, Surrey

The Iraqi mindset to violence is not the same as the west's, and will take some time to change. A burgeoning economy and the benefits of such will help enormously, but this takes time. Strong action against those who use inappropriate violence during this phase is necessary. The time needed to be spent in occupation may be longer than for a country with more western values.
Barry Gater, Haslemere, Surrey

I think that all that can be done for Iraq has now been done. Why lose more soldiers to outbreaks of violence? How many more lives, both soldiers and civilians, have to be lost before Tony Blair and George Bush recognise that the Iraqi people do not want them there anymore.
Simon Cooper, South Yorkshire

I think that in order to facilitate 'handing-over' power by the end of June, this inevitably requires compromising with the various community leaders in Iraq who have popular support. It will be interesting to see if the situation of controlling the oil and gas fields is sustainable in the long run without allowing the people of Iraq to have their favoured leaders in power. I just hope that British troops have a rapid exit plan if the Shias in the south decide they're going to assert their independence.
Matthew, UK

When the Paul Bremer announces that they'll respond to violent attacks with 'overwhelming force', I can't help but despair! Has anybody on the world stage realised yet that violence begets violence and you can't stamp out terrorism with force?
Ben Ross, London, UK

What we are seeing now is what so many of us who were against the war were warning of before all this started. I am simply not sure what is it that the US expected. If Iraq does not end up at the end of this huge US-started mess in a civil war it will be a minor miracle.
Sonia, Madrid, Spain

Invading Iraq was the worst policy mistake the US has made in the last 100 years, and the UK's worst since Suez. By its nature and history Iraq will never be a stable democracy as the neoconservatives dream. Before the country disintegrates we have two choices: leave and allow a Shiite cleric to rule, or leave and support a military dictatorship as we did before.
Tom, UK

They are unable to wage war against guerrilla forces Chris, Hastings

The US has shown time and again that they are unable to wage war against guerrilla forces. The only way out now is for the US to retreat like they did from Vietnam and the UN to move in and try to clean up the mess.
Chris, Hastings

A long time ago, George W Bush announced the end of hostilities. Many of the war doubters then changed sides saying they were wrong to oppose the war due to fears of civil war as they had not materialised. But where are we now? The violence is spreading and those who are destined to govern Iraq since they form a majority, the Shia, are now taking part in the struggle too. If the violence that happened yesterday is the premise of a civil war and more bloodshed, will not Bush and Blair come to regret the invasion?
Pascal Jacqemain, Welwyn Garden City, UK

It doesn't take a genius to work out that the Iraqis would rebel against American rule. The only chance now is for the UN to take full control - no more demands by the US for their own self-interests in the region.
Aquil Khan, London, England

What's happening now is the predicted result of removing Saddam without international consensus and without a real plan for post-Saddam Iraq.
John M, Lyne Meads, UK

I think that the time has come to be more aggressive against Mr Sadr and his supporters. They don't represent Iraqi Shias and they don't even represent a majority of them. They're only a loud and dangerous minority that wants to get power ahead of elections.
Andrea Baucero, Milano, Italy

To Andrea Baucero: The only way to find out if Mr Sadr doesn't represent a majority is if elections are held. And who is stopping those elections from taking place? The Iraqis must fight for an end to this humiliation and they have my support whatever they do. The western nations must learn that the days of them running amok amongst the native populations are over.
David, Johannesburg, South Africa

Right from the outset the US/UK policy was wrong. Iraq was invaded for the wrong reasons. The time has now come for both Bush and Blair to realise, you sow a wind and reap a whirlwind. The UN is the only way forward.
T. Newman, Bournemouth, UK

It is because of abuse by their owners that these holy sites become legitimate targets. Mat Toy, London, UK

To Nelton and Philemon (both below):
You ask why did America attack a mosque? You should perhaps ask why do certain Iraqi Moslem leaders defile their own Mosques. Please also remember that mosques were regularly used during the war a year ago for snipers positions and to hide arms. It is because of this abuse by their owners that these holy sites become legitimate targets.

The US has moved things on in Iraq against great opposition. No-one believed that a date would be set for hand-over... it has. No-one believed that a constitution would be signed by all majority parties... it has. The opposition in Iraq is a minority. The needs of the majority cannot be allowed to be compromised by a the fanatical minority.
Mat Toy, London, UK

How can the UK take a position in support of this war when their forces are safely removed to areas of little or no conflict. If you truly support what we have done in Iraq, I suggest you volunteer your troops to go to Baghdad and help in the fighting.
John Gramling, North Carolina, USA

To John Gramling, North Carolina: Maybe instead of asking why Britain doesn't get involved in areas with heavy numbers of insurgents you should ask why Britain has much less trouble keeping the peace than the Americans do. The answer is that Britain is much more successful in using a hearts and minds approach to win support while the US bombs the people it needs to help it. Instead of accusing us of neglecting our fighting duties maybe you should ask why America is neglecting its peacekeeping duties.
Kevin, York, UK

The June 30 deadline is simply not realistic. The Bush admin should swallow some their pride and ease their hard line.
Mat, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Well, the only road to peace is to divide Iraq into esparto autonomous states, Kurdish, Sunni and Shia. The only reason those people were forced to live together was because of the decision made by the ex-superpower England and Iraq. The European states are responsible for the mess. Like always, the US is called to sort everything out.
AM, Tel Aviv, Israel

An attack on a Mosque is a serious miscalculation which is evidence of the desperate situation Nelton Chivhanga, Harare

The deadline cannot be met, for the US and its coalition partners will loose total control of the situation. The violence flaring now will be raging well beyond June 30. Nothing is going according to plan now and an attack on a Mosque is a serious miscalculation which is evidence of the desperate situation the US finds itself in.
Nelton Chivhanga, Harare, Zimbabwe

I do not think there can be peace in Iraq because the US sees no value in human life except that of Americans. Why drop a bomb on a place of worship?
Philemon Chibomba, Mazabuka, Zambia

Yes, the deadline for the handover can and will be met. To those who ask this question: "What kind of signal does attacking a mosque with helicopter gunships send to the Iraqi people?" The answer is the following: It tells the Iraqi people who use such mosques for attacks on coalition forces that mosques will not be used for terrorism.
Steve, USA

I am certain that there will be a symbolic handover to an Iraqi puppet government on June 30th because Bush needs to be able to declare victory before the US elections. On the other hand I seriously doubt that any real change will happen on the ground, and the US will still be the rulers in all but name.
Richard Read, London, UK

The real question is whether the Iraqis will miss this opportunity to rebuild their country? Phillip Armstrong, Toronto

The deadline is irrelevant. The real question is whether the Iraqis will miss this opportunity to rebuild their country? Who would not want the world's richest country to spend billions to rebuild their railways, airports, hospitals, ports, highways, schools, their oil industry, etc. There are many poor countries around the planet that would love this to happen to them. If this is not appreciated by the Iraqis, along with the throwing out of a terrible regime, then maybe the Americans should pull-out and leave the Iraqis to fend for themselves in this big competitive world.
Phillip Armstrong, Toronto, Canada

No occupying power can face a determined opposition for long. Even if the opposition does not constitute a majority of the local population. America proved that in 1776 against the world super power of the time, England. However that said Mr Bush will lose his presidency if he leaves Iraq though no good can come of staying there. So the boys must die until no politician will lose his job by doing what is inevitable. Leaving Iraq.
Leigh Ross, Kunkletown USA

Of course there can be peace - one need only look to the Kurdish areas in Northern Iraq for proof. The only question is whether the Arabs' unfounded hostility toward the United States will continue to motivate substantial numbers of Iraqis to indulge in senseless acts of violence against the coalition forces that are trying to help the country get back on its feet. It is a mystery why it doesn't occur to more Arab Iraqis that they have a golden opportunity to emulate the Kurdish success story. It seems that the Arab Iraqis would rather try to destroy what the Kurds have achieved, instead of trying to better their sorry lot.
John Smith, Trenton, New Jersey USA

To Eleanor from France (below): I find amusing the people on this board who question the use of force to "pacify". Really? How exactly does your own police force get things done? Last time I checked no police force in the world uses "words" to bring criminals to justice. What is happening in Iraq is no longer a war. That ended almost a year ago. What has been, and is, happening is a police action. Those who break the law must be arrested or stopped just as your own police force would do to try and keep the peace. Until June 30th..the CPA is the Iraqi government and the coalition forces, along with Iraqi security, are the police. Expect them to use the same tactics your own home country's police force would do if a group of militants sprang up in Paris, or London, or New York with grenades, rocket launchers, etc. Understand folks... words don't always work.
Craig, Chicago, USA

To Craig from Chicago: In the UK we have been dealing with terrorism for decades. As long ago as the 70s it was realised that using large scale force was counter-productive, breeding resentment and more terrorists, especially when innocent people got killed. Eventually the only solution was to hold our noses and negotiate with the terrorists. The situation is not perfect but Northern Ireland is slowly moving forward, with only a tiny fraction of the violence of the 1980s. If only we could have applied some of those lessons to Iraq, maybe the US would think twice before bombing mosques, which is a course of action guaranteed to promote armed conflict for generations to come.
Rupert Taylor, Bristol, England

The instability now going on in Iraq is the price the world pays for turning a blind eye to the atrocities of Saddam Hussein. Radin Amante, Manila, Philippines

The instability now going on in Iraq is the price the world pays for turning a blind eye to the atrocities of Saddam Hussein. The strong effort of the Coalition to reintroduce a responsible authority structure is a necessary but difficult pill to the current morass. The rest of the world should not sit on the fence but support the effort.
Radin Amante, Manila, Philippines

The Iraqis will never accept a puppet administration. The timing is not important. The concept is. It seems that the West does not understand our culture. Occupying our land is like raping our beloved women. Please, try to go back and read the Arabs and Muslims history. The Algerians lost 1 million in the endeavour to liberate their country from the French occupying forces. The Afghans lost 1.5 million to liberate their country from the Soviet Union. For sure the Iraqis do not lack any similar resolve and readiness to pay the ultimate sacrifice to liberate their country.

I wish that we the Arabs did not have oil. We have paid for generations a heavy price. It seems that for every barrel of oil consumed in the West a barrel of our blood is being shed in return. It is sad very sad indeed.
Jamil Jiblawi, Egypt

To Jamil Jiblawi: Your comparisons are incorrect. For example: The Soviet Union wished to impose their rule upon Afghanistan as a Soviet satellite state. The US motives have been to remove Saddam's rule and replace it with an Iraqi self rule based on, among other things, individual rights and secular cooperation. This is what the Iraqis are fighting against and Americans find it confusing that they are denying themselves the opportunity for a free society. It is clear that neither side understands the other.
Vincent Michael, Midwest, USA

It should have been clear to all that when you have a government in Iran next to Iraq which hates democratic values it will never let Iraqi democracy succeed, let alone to take off. As an Iranian all I will tell my Iraqi friends on the other side of the border is that a Mulla belongs to the Masjid (Mosque) not to the Majlis (the Parliament).
Behyar, Washington DC

This area has a long history of sectarian fighting Mike, VT, USA

This area has a long history of sectarian fighting. For the US and her allies to find any sort of cohesion will be difficult. Peace will take years, not months, and a more global effort will be necessary. The US cannot afford to stretch itself thin over this one country.
Mike, VT, USA

While I certainly agree that force alone does not win the peace, there must be a balance between diplomacy and strength. The rule of law must prevail, regardless of political affiliation. If lawlessness is allowed to go unchecked, what we show is weakness and lack of will. This in turn will be met with more boldness on the part of the people who do not want to see a new Iraqi government succeed. There can and will be peace. There are smart, well-intentioned people on both sides of the fence that want a better life for Iraqis and stability in the region. Getting there will certainly be tough, but it is a task that must succeed.
John J Rios, Monterey, CA USA

The US should send more troops only if and when the commanders on the ground and the President want more troops to go. We have too many wannabes and arm chair generals pontificating on how to run the war. We have a professional army and we elected the President; let the generals and him make the right decisions.
Glynn Brown, Gulf Breeze, Fl, USA

I find it amusing to read so many comments in support of the UN taking the lead. History has shown us time and time again that the UN prefers to take the path of least resistance. Just one bomb a few months ago, and they pack their bags and leave. Sure, let them help manage the elections and provide administrative assistance, but give the leadership to those with the courage to lead.
Frank, North Carolina, USA

In the South the British army have been running successful policies designed to win the trust of the Iraqi people Nigel, Oxford, UK

Peace can be found in Iraq but the US strategy must change. In the South the British army have been running successful policies designed to win the trust of the Iraqi people. This winning strategy has been undermined by the bullish tactics of the US in the North. The chaos caused by Israeli heavy handed tactics in Palestine shows that force does not win peace. More effort must be put into rebuilding Iraq as fast as possible.
Nigel, Oxford, UK

Nigel, Oxford: I've rather admired the way British forces have conducted their mission. But your comparative analysis is a tad on the arrogant side. U.S. forces voluntarily accepted a more dangerous mission. And it is naive to believe that U.S. tactics, and not an undercurrent of fundamentalism/insurgency, led to instability in the south. Nonetheless, I'd agree that U.S. strategy must change.
Guy, USA

What kind of signal does attacking a mosque with helicopter gunships send to the Iraqi people? Iraq isn't President Bush's Vietnam, by any means. Bush isn't turning into Lyndon Johnson, he's turning into Ariel Sharon.
Iain, Surrey, UK

Peace in Iraq can only be obtained when the militants are killed or they realize that using Saddam's old tactics won't accomplish anything. The vast majority of Iraqis aren't fighting... just the people who used to support Saddam and a group of Iranian-influenced religious zealots. Both of these groups know they have no real future in a democratic Iraq so they are trying to seize as much power as they can now. The problem is that it won't work. The USA learned the lessons from Vietnam and Somalia, and so should the rest of the world.

It's time to quit bickering over who was right and who was wrong a year ago. That argument serves no purpose. What needs to happen is for everyone who pledged support for the Iraqi people to keep their word. If the Islamic world wants to show that it really cares about fellow Muslims, then Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Algeria and others needs to send troops, doctors, engineers and other people to help.
Gregg Otten, Alexandria, VA, USA

A political solution is the best solution. A political leadership satisfactory to Iraqi and coalition force is the solution. Military conflict will bring casualties.
Donald Fraser Miles, Elliot Lake, Canada