This is the second page of your comments on the violence in Iraq.

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

The violence will stop when the man who started it (Bush) brings his troops home before they all get killed and gives Saddam back his country (which he is already doing one Republican Guard General at a time).
Bob Guy, Jamestown RI USA

Of course the violence can be stopped - just as soon as the invaders leave!
Zorba Eisenhower, UK

Of course violence will not stop. The mistake everyone makes is assuming Iraq was a product of Saddam Hussein - whereas Saddam Hussein was actually a product of Iraq. If it had not been him it would have been some other murderous despot. Iraq is an artificial construction created by the West the only way of sorting it out is by handing it back to the people.

There will still be slaughter Dave Elliot, Oxford, UK

There will still be slaughter, although you can attempt to mitigate it by involving the UN - but it needs to make its own borders and the Americans need to get out and mind their own business. Everything Bush does aggravates rather than improves the situation. His complete support for that other terrorist Sharon has ensured the Middle East will remain a tinderbox for generations to come.
Dave Elliot, Oxford, UK

If they want us out I say we should go out and leave them to discover that we are doing the right things. Maybe send Saddam back and see how they react then.
Martin Williams, St Helens UK

If the US withdraw now, Iraq will become a country ruled by the terrorists, using the country as a platform to expand the Islamic terrorism to neighbouring countries and to the Western world.
Jose, Madrid, Spain

There won't be an end until there is unity.
Brendan, Belfast, N.Ireland

Falluja has been put under the supervision of Saddam's generals. Fine, why not the whole country, if this is what the Iraqis want? In fact people of Iraq want to liberate themselves from the torturous and humiliating occupation of USA. Will the Americans be ready for an independent opinion poll in Iraq??
k. Mohamed, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

There are ways to improve this. First of all, US accepts that this time they got it wrong. Ask all Iraqi leaders from all sections, what they want and how they want, possibly pay few billions in compensation, let Iraqis 'feel' that they are the winners. So, Saddam's gone and US apology plus compensation, its a double win.

Let the 'majority' of Iraqis feel that they are important Kulkarni, Pune, India

Let the 'majority' of Iraqis feel that they are important. Any troubles after that will be 'usual' national issues faced by most other nations, so at least the proportion of trouble can be downsized. Respect sometimes matter more than anything else, and US should realise this.
Kulkarni, Pune, India

Withdrawing from Falluja and handing over power to a Hussein look-alike (complete with Iraqi army gear) is not going to "quell violence," it will simply embolden the Baathists and terrorists.
Fred K, Haslemere, UK

The withdrawal from Falluja is an acknowledgement that Iraqi civilians have died in large numbers during the siege. It also indicates that those in Falluja actually fighting against the American forces are Iraqis. Not foreign or terrorists.
Pat, Ilford, UK

Public opinion at an all time low, stories of abuse by allied troops, and a system that is poorly understood at best by the western politicians. Maybe like Yugoslavia under Tito, Iraq under Saddam was not heaven but it was not the Hell the west has painted it either.

Western interference does not seem to be stopping the violence but fuelling it. In fact even under Saddam western policies of embargo caused suffering to the Iraqi people. The violence was inevitable, it is a shame that we were so short-sighted not to realise this before embarking on military action.
Sandy, Galashiels

This war stinks because there is no intention of a pull out of Iraq! Ian, England state of America

The Americans have pulled out of Falluja and have retreated only a short distance. This is a cosmetic move, because an Iraqi army unit lead by one of Saddam's old guard will then take up positions in the Americans place. They will then start the killing that the Americans will support from behind the lines. This war stinks because there is no intention of a pull out of Iraq!
Ian, England state of America

How can the violence be stopped now? Iraq was trashed by the U.S and U.K. they destroyed the civil service and humiliated a Nation. Sure, a few carpetbaggers will make money but the majority are worse off today than before the war. They had jobs, food and money.

There are no "insurgents" in Iraq - only freedom fighters wanting to reclaim their country and dignity. The war will continue under the occupation.
John Li, Australia

"We are certainly not withdrawing from Falluja. Nothing could be further from the truth," - Brig General Kimmitt Does this remind anyone else of the words of "Comical Ali", former Iraqi information minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf?
Rob, Essex

A very hard hand should subdue the Iraqis Allam, Bangalore India

If you examine past history, victors have always managed to subdue the conquered when ever they have been ruthless enough. A very hard hand should subdue the Iraqis and this is not the time to worry about the image of the USA. The USA decided to reshape Iraq on its own initiative and didn't seek anybody's permission last year.

Why think of world opinion now? You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs (or heads?). The nicer feelings of the Iraqis don't deserve consideration. They had time enough in the past to set themselves right, or if they thought that they were perfect then they should not have allowed the Americans to conquer them last year. Where was the tenacity they have displayed in Fallujah in March 2003?
Allam, Bangalore India

The violence will slow down once the coalition of the unwilling led by France, Germany or Canada under the flag of the UN replaces the forces that assaulted Iraqis in such a brutal way. Britain and the United States should apologize for their arrogance. Saddam Hussein was about fall. There was no need to attack. The UN inspectors had done their job. Britain and the united states just wanted to show us all they're the bullies on the block.
Eric B Shackleton, Toronto Canada

The sequence of events of this past year defy logic. Now one Saddam's general's is back, put there by the US. Actually it doesn't defy logic, it all just confirms the unofficial reasons for the occupation. This is state terrorism, for the control of oil reserves, and it is fuel for more terrorism. Maybe we should rename it to 'War WITH terrorism'
Brian, Gibraltar

Iraq cannot be ruled by outsiders Nagarajan, Trivandrum

Shame on the US. If the US can make a nation fall. It certainly should make it stand straight. Iraq cannot be ruled by outsiders as its history says. But it can be ruled by an Iraqi...
Nagarajan, Trivandrum, India

Now that we are losing more lives, the majority seem against the war. When we were wiping out the enemy with few casualties, the same people were in support of the war. It would be a travesty if the US withdrew and asked the UN to clean up the mess. We owe it to the Iraqis to rebuild what we have destroyed and foot the bill.
Ray Machado, Allentown, PA

No end to the violence. The US invaded Iraq on flimsy excuses without the approval of the UN. Now it should bear all consequences without the UN or other countries' aid. The new Iraqi Forces will not fight their own kind. What coalition? The countries who sent in a few soldiers are mostly aid receivers from the US: "join me or else no aid".
Khan MA, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Yes, there could be an end to the violence in Iraq. The solution is very simple, the US needs to pull out. The UN, with mainly soldiers from Muslim countries should go in instead, but for that to happen the occupation from US/UK needs to end.
Shoaib Sultan, Norway

Pulling the troops out is only going to make the situation worse Daniel Luck, Surrey, UK

It's time for all the countries to wake up and help the people of Iraq, and put their disputes behind them. This is a country in chaos and they need help. Pulling the troops out is only going to make the situation worse. People make mistakes but the innocent are the ones who will pay. The UN need to play the dominant role in rebuilding the country.
Daniel Luck, Surrey, UK

Should the local Iraqi armed forces fail to (quickly) quench the upheaval in Falluja, an all-out civil war can be inevitable: in such case, those who participated in this army will be condemned for cooperation with the occupation forces, and the Iraqis will not forget this betrayal. Moreover, the support for the rebels from local inhabitants will strongly increase, if the battle will last. The priority for the US should therefore be, swiftly granting any thinkable support for the Iraqi first-line soldiers on their post.
Robert, Warsaw, Poland

The only reason a deal has been struck is that the Americans could not bomb the Iraqi freedom fighters into oblivion in Falluja. They must have suffered heavy casualties. With all their Military might F16's, Tanks, Helicopter gunships, the Americans could not quell the will of the people who had little more than stones and minor hand weapons to defend their city and nation. Is this not a message to Bush and Blair, get out before our boys are sent packing home in body bags.
David Broadfoot, Birmingham, UK

Do you think the allied forces have any moral right to stay? Siraj Ahsan, Dubai, UAE

Bush came into Iraq with a mandate to pull down the terror machine of Saddam Hussain. How come the people who persecuted the masses be called out for another round of persecution? Do you think the allied forces have any moral right to stay now that people want them out of their country and Saddam terror machine is being revived. A gun always kills and so will they. injustice of highest degree.
Siraj Ahsan, Dubai, UAE

Well well...Who could have ever foreseen that there would be no WMD, no link between Iraq and Al Qaeda, and that all this would happen ?? Quite a lot of us actually - Hopefully next time Tony will listen before he gets giddy with the excitement of being in the US president's good books.
John, York

After reading the comments here, I am confused as to who actually are the fanatics. It would appear to me that the USA lives in a world of their own, without consideration to others and without any intelligent strategies for the problems they caused. Are there lessons to learn from Northern Ireland? To try and match some of our American friends' rather bizarre thoughts on this, I will add one of my own. The upsurge of worldwide terrorism is the fault of Hollywood. From inter-galactic movies to Action films, you will find terrorism being glorified and the USA as usual, saving the day for all of mankind. Wake up USA, this is not a film set, this is not America, this is real life, where replacing one dictator with another albeit American, has no real difference to the people concerned. Or, is it all just down to ratings and winning votes. Hmm.
David, France

The US has created a monster Sshok Kumar, Mumbai, India

The US has created a monster, a power vacuum and thus the war will never stop and Americas thirst for oil will never be satisfied, too many US Soldiers will die and be another Vietnam.
Sshok Kumar, Mumbai, India

Falluja is a populated area. Offensive measures against resistant elements by means of air attacks or artillery will lead to a large number of innocent peoples death or injuries. US should hold attacks and adhere to world opinion at this instance. UN peace keeping forces and Iraqis self governing system should be implemented soon.
Mahinda De Silva, Auckland, New Zealand

Maybe if the Americans hadn't shot dead 13 unarmed protesters in Falluja a year ago, then the violence wouldn't have escalated to where it is today. Does anyone remember Bloody Sunday?
Graeme, Sydney

A recent Gallup/USA Today poll showed that 57% of Iraqis want us out of their country NOW. But we ignore the will of the Iraqi majority in order to stay and teach them "democracy". Does anyone see anything wrong with that picture?
peter nelson, Boston USA

Countries opposing the Iraq war (particularly Western Europe) have no qualms chastising America but offers nothing better than the UN as the quick-fix solution. The June 30th deadline will be met and peace will be restored and that shall be good enough to seal the Euro sceptics mouths shut. Do not doubt the Americans as lessons learnt always make one smarter.
Anonymous

Are people really serious when they say that we should just pick up and leave and the violence will stop? Marc, Los Angeles, USA

Are people really serious when they say that we should just pick up and leave and the violence will stop? When Afghanistan was fighting the Soviets and we picked up and left, the Taliban took over. Maybe people all over the world should turn their anger and disgust from America to the real danger to Iraqis: Islamic Militants.
Marc, Los Angeles, USA

The Iraqi caretaker government, the UN and the coalition need to work very hard to ensure that elections do take place next January. The UN needs to monitor to ensure they are free and fair. At that point full sovereignty and control over the military must immediately be turned over to the new government ready or not. Only then will the Iraqi people have somebody other than the Baathists or Muslim extremists to rally behind and we will see if they really want democracy.
Rebecca, Chicago, Illinois

Did anyone seriously think that any nation would meekly accept the presence of foreign troops on their soil? The sooner Iraq is handed back to the Iraqis the sooner there will be peace. Can the Americans on this board imagine how they would react to an occupying Arab force telling people in Kansas how to run their affairs. They would rebel; and that is what the Iraqis are doing.
George, London, UK

There is only one way proven by the lessons of history to promote peace among people of different ethnicities. It's called democracy. It's why the United States worked so well when Europe was led by tyrants and ripped apart by tribal nationalism. It's why Europe works relatively well today. And it's the only hope of lasting peace in the Middle East. Apparently, Bush and Blair are two of the few people smart enough to have figured this out.
Anon, Boston, USA

Can there be an end to the violence in Iraq? Yes, if the United Nations take the complete charge of the situation. Will the coalition be ready to hand over power by 30 June? Give me a break; this is election year gimmick on the part of Bush administration.
Adam O'Hirsi, USA

Violence can be reduced... but I doubt that it can be stopped Maithem, Iraqi in Johannesburg

Violence can be reduced... but I doubt that it can be stopped. As long as the Americans are in Iraq, the violence will have its presence there. The terrorists from al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Ba'athists, and some regional powers have problems with the USA and they have chosen Iraq to be their battlefield.
Maithem, Iraqi in Johannesburg, South Africa

In 1917 a British general had occupied Baghdad and proclaimed: "Our armies do not come into your cities and lands as conquerors or enemies, but as liberators." History tells us that within just a few months of the formal British takeover of Iraq, there was a full-scale anti-British revolt. I am willing to bet that not one senior military commander in Iraq today knows the slightest thing about these events.
Brian, Canada

To Jeremy, Dallas (below): Has anyone ever asked the United States if we wanted middle-eastern style terrorism? The U.S. isn't creating a democracy in Iraq to be good guys (despite the atrocities that country has gone through long before our arrival). We are creating a democracy because that country represents a real threat to our national security, especially given their socio-economic-political persuasions. Besides, education and business will be good for them.
Jeff t, New York, NY

The desire for democracy should come when there is a common purpose and unity already in place Jeremy, Dallas, USA

Has anyone ever asked the Iraqis if they really want a western-style "democracy?" I think many factions see it as an opportunity to gain power and then be anything but 'democratic' or fair to electoral minorities that are left out. The desire for democracy should come when there is a common purpose and unity already in place, which there clearly isn't. There are other ways to promote fairness and development of the country whilst keeping the extremists in check. If the US forces can't stop the violence and power struggle, then democracy won't stop it either.
Jeremy, Dallas, USA

The violence can only be stopped when the occupation authorities accept that they are fighting against more than "foreign fighters" or "Saddam supporters" - i.e. Iraqi nationalists. They need to find a way to bring in the UN (without losing face) to run the country. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a way for this to happen whilst George Bush is in power.
Imtiaz, Bangladesh

It makes no sense to say that one must destroy a place to save it. To save means to keep alive. The Iraqis want their independence without us playing a role in it. Is that so hard to understand? They do not want a puppet government either and I doubt they have forgotten that Saddam Hussein was put in power by the USA. So, let them decide what to do with their freedom. The violence WILL fade away when the US steps out.
Judy, RI, USA

Broad-based international support is need now to help Iraqis manage these difficult times Eric, Stockholm, Sweden

It seems to me that most people are missing the point completely here. The problem in Iraq is far from nationalism or freedom fighters as most want to portray it. The real issue is a complicated mix of tribal, ethnic and socio-cultural forces which neither the Iraqis or the coalition can handle. Saddam used brutality to "glue" these forces together. With that "glue" off, I am afraid we may be heading for another Yugoslavia. Broad-based international support is need now to help Iraqis manage these difficult times.
Eric, Stockholm, Sweden

So much opinion, so little knowledge of what is actually going on. Until people ditch their pre-conceived ideas and ditch the politics of yesterday there will be no chance in any improvement in human affairs. Blair and Bush took their decision to invade Iraq on the basis that the Middle Eastern status quo was unsustainable. We are in a new era of geo politics.
Andy, Gloucester, UK

I think the assault in Falluja is a catastrophic mistake, because what the Americans wanted to present as a war against a dictatorial regime will be now seen as a war directly against the people of Iraq. This is the end of the little rest of credibility the US had there.
François, France

Can the violence in Iraq be stopped? It will when all neo-imperialists get out and stay out of the Middle East!
Brad, USA

They say that generals are always preparing to fight the last war. In America's case, their last real war was Vietnam. And yes, they're fighting it again, and making all the same mistakes of terrorising the civilian population that were made back then.
Graham Bartlett, Cambridge, UK

The violence will not stop when we leave Rochelle, Alabama, USA

I am really amazed by the comments here suggesting that the violence will stop once we go home. Have you not figured out what is going on here? This is not about the occupation. This is about control of the country. The violence will not stop when we leave. In fact it will get worse if we left. There is a severe power play going on here folks and we MUST not let the Iraqi's be the pawns in it. We worked hard to free the Iraqis and we will finish what we promised them - a chance for freedom. Of course, their road will be tough. Look at what they are surrounded with - a stagnant, repressive, self-loathing region (i.e., Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc) that refuses to make the courageous changes to its failed system to really set the region on a path of prosperity and happiness.
Rochelle, Alabama, USA

It's time to face facts. Iraq is going to continue to be a country at war as long as there is a foreign military presence. A lot of brave people are dying to satisfy politicians.
Paul, Brighouse, UK

Having just watched a moderate level official blame part of the continued struggle on the slanted coverage of Al Jazeera, Al Aribiyah, and the BBC, I'm wondering if a better topic shouldn't be the "violence in Iraq" but the Arab partisans spurring on the fight.
Mike Sigman, Durango, CO, USA

All the USA can hope to achieve is a forced and very unstable truce Robert N. Lambert, Milan, Tennessee, USA

To think that the violence in Iraq will end when the US leaves is ludicrous. For so long the people of this region have been fed a steady diet of violence, taught violence, and seen violence glorified that it is all they understand. I fear that nothing will bring peace to this region. If we leave, they will probably turn on each other with genocide being the inevitable result. I believe that all the USA can hope to achieve is a forced and very unstable truce.
Robert N. Lambert, Milan, Tennessee, USA

It is outrageous that the US is using such powerful and indiscriminate weapons against enemy targets in a civilian area. The US army should take a leaf out of the more effective softly, softly approach by their UK counterparts. Also comparisons with Vietnam are ridiculous due to the lower number of casualties.
Eddie Liley, Coventry

As long as occupation forces are in the country, the Iraqis will fight. After they have left, be it sooner or later, an internal struggle for power will erupt.
Guido, Antwerp, Belgium

In the US around 10,000 people die in gun related crimes each year. How do we expect a country that cannot stop violence within its own borders to stop violence in unfriendly occupied country?
Lisa, Athens, Greece

Although very, very unpleasant there is only one way to stop this violence and that is to take control of Falluja by force. We need to send a clear signal that this activity will not be tolerated and will be met by lethal force. The Americans have the correct approach and to show weakness here will only threaten the larger plan to free Iraq from dictators and violence. We need to finish this war and put an end to all this negative reporting and focus on the 30th of June.
Richard Walker, Notts

Since when is a person fighting against a foreign power occupying his/her country a terrorist? Let's at least be honest about this. Like it or not, it is a fight between Iraqi freedom fighters and colonial powers.
DL, London, UK

This is a tribalised and ruthless region Peter, New York, USA

People saying that the violence in Iraq will stop when the US leaves are idealists. Saddam Hussein could barely hold these people apart from killing each other. This is a tribalised and ruthless region. As soon as we leave, they will be at each others throats. Only by spilling their own blood, can Iraqis come to any kind of democracy- we cannot force it on them. Unfortunately, another ruthless regime (probably fundamentalist Shia) will take over.
Peter, New York, USA

Can anyone or any being on this earth or in the cosmos please stop the ongoing American madness in Falluja. This is plain madness and amounts to an indiscriminate use of force. I can't believe this is happening in the 21st century. I really cannot believe it.
Oliver John, Amsterdam

Say what you will about whether the coalition should have entered Iraq. However, withdrawing from a destabilized country now would be a disaster. The coalition must stay the course and see Iraq get back on its feet before leaving. Otherwise Iraq could become an outlaw state far worse than Taliban era Afghanistan.
Chris, Washington DC, USA

My fear is that the Bush administration is afraid to do what needs to be done in order to win Steve M, Hightstown

The violence will stop once one side wins. My fear is that the Bush administration is afraid to do what needs to be done in order to win. Like in Vietnam, we're not fighting a war but putting on a show for the news crews. War is a bloody business, and if we must destroy the village in order to save it, (and ourselves) we should.
Steve M, Hightstown, New Jersey

Iraq is another Viet Nam in the making. "Send in more troops". That is what happened in Viet Nam and the USA sent in close to 500,000 at the height of the war. History repeats itself.
Richard, Chicago, USA

The violence in Iraq will end when the invading coalition forces go back to their own country.
Raymond Rudaizky, London, UK

The people who are perpetrating the violence in Iraq are the ideologues. Right now I only see two flavours: Americans who are convinced that the application of even more power against the powerless will solve everything and the Iraqis who are fanatical in their rebellion against any form on non-Islamic power structure. Under these circumstances I am afraid the killing will only continue. It will probably get worse as each side tries to prove their resolve.
Paul Bogdanich, Portland, Oregon, USA

Yes, it can when the US, and UK leave the region for good.
Marcella Lakatos, Toronto, Canada

It is becoming more evident that the Bush/Cheney regime is utterly incompetent handling the worsening Iraq situation. It puzzles me immensely why Bush keeps on getting insanely high support from my fellow American voters.
Hiroshi Arashi, Gold Run, USA

I don't think the violence will stop. As long as people are forced to accept some rules which they have not been a part of, they will not follow that rule. We need to get Iraqis involved in their own security. They need to know a sense of belonging. They are treated like outsiders and they are very upset with this situation. The violence will continue for years to come unless Iraq is controlled by Iraqis. I am very sad to see the bloodshed. Iraqis haven't seen a good day since 1979.
Al Esmaeili, USA

Violence will end when the resentment is gone. The coalition is ready to hand over power now but those who are receiving it don't know what to do with it or how to protect it.
Kevin, CA, USA

The violence will not stop until American troop strength is double what it is today. Need a cop on every corner to secure the country. Bush tried to do the war on the cheap and he got what he paid for, a mess. This will only happen after the election. The real cost will be made clear to the American people and they will not be happy. The issues will be dealt with in 2005. Lies until then. Unfortunately we are going to be on the cusp of a lot of killing and anger in the Arab world due to the fact that Bush did not want to carry the heavy burden up front.
Jason, USA

The Americans will have to invest a considerable number of soldiers for a long time before any semblance of peace can be restored Luc, Canada

The Americans will have to invest a considerable number of soldiers for a long time before any semblance of peace can be restored to Iraq. The current troop strength is simply not enough. Between 300,000 and 400,000 troops will be needed to restore order, numbers that will no doubt finish off any hopes of Bush winning the upcoming election.
Luc, Canada

When are the Iraqi people going to start fighting against these bombers instead of automatically pointing the finger at coalition troops? Some Iraqis must be giving passage to the bombers and know who these terrorists are and where they are coming from. If the Iraqis don't help the coalition they will simply be enslaved once again and will have no one to blame but themselves.
Tom, Chicago, USA

No, the violence will not stop as long as the Bush administration maintains its imperialistic and self-serving policies under the transparent facade of helping the Iraqi people.
Jack, Omaha, USA

Bush should clean up the mess he got Iraq into.
Rachel, Peterborough, UK

Moving into Iraq was always a foolhardy mission. You can't tell friend from foe. Get out now. It is another Vietnam.
Terry Farrell, Chichester. UK

A legitimate UN force with the primary purpose of protecting the Iraqi people is the only peaceful way forward Jonathan Kitchin, London, England

A legitimate UN force with the primary purpose of protecting the Iraqi people is in my opinion the only peaceful way forward. The US and UK are protecting their own interests above the interests of Iraq and its citizens. I can't see Bush and Blair allowing a UN-led force because admitting they were wrong will hinder their election campaigns.
Jonathan Kitchin, London, England

The violence in Iraq is now a daily occurrence, and will only increase as there is no control. I would withdraw all troops and invite back Saddam. They would soon stop the violence.
Stephen Holland, Sheffield, UK

The worry is these small groups of bandits will start to form larger, more organised bands as the momentum of fear and US opposition grow. In the end this is how most civil wars start. The catalyst regrettably is the 'freedom' given to the Iraqi people. June is a small number of weeks away and I'm sure the US will pull their troops out sharply to avoid any fiascos in the presidential elections - I can't see it getting better after that.
Dave R, Newcastle, UK

Clearly this violence in Iraq is aimed at getting the occupying forces out of the country. The coalition claim that they are there until Iraqis - Sunni and Shiite - can work together to form a peaceful society. I understand that the uprisings in Iraq are now comprised of a mix of Shiite and Sunni working together to get the coalition forces out of the country. Job done, surely? Time to go!
Simon Guerrero, Chippenham, UK

I personally see no conflict with supporting the troops and opposing this messy war Ross Woodhouse, Brighton, UK

Whilst I sympathise deeply with anyone who has relatives out there they should not confuse opposition to the war with opposition to the soldiers and what they are doing. Many people oppose the war and sympathise with the troops who are, it is felt, merely pawns in a larger political game and should not be out there. I personally see no conflict with supporting the troops while at the same time opposing this messy war.
Ross Woodhouse, Brighton, UK

Unfortunately, Iraq is the place where all of that Al Qaeda training in Afghanistan is being put to use. Weapons are plentiful and terrorist activity all over the world has shown that there will always be young men who prefer the status of 'fighter' to the humiliation of the local job centre or its even less appealing equivalents.
Clive, UK

They call it democracy for Iraq but America doesn't want to let go of power. All this talk of handover of power is a sham. It's limited power being handed over to an American appointed government who are there to put through American sponsored laws. The interim government doesn't represent Iraqis so who can blame them for fighting for their country. The Iraqi resistance will only calm down once real power is handed back to them.
Chris, London

Having cracked the Spanish resolve, the insurgents were predictably bound to go next for the British as the second biggest contingent in the coalition. I fear that they will unleash more attacks to show the British are incapable of providing security in Basra, and to try to turn the local population against them. I can't see the situation in Iraq being secure enough for a handover of power on June 30, no matter how much the coalition might like to disengage by then.
Greg, Marseille, France

The violence will only get worse Dani Thomas, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan

What a mess the politicians of all countries make! UK security forces are asked to withdraw and then are blamed for not being there when Iraqi terrorists strike their own countrymen!
John Galpin, Cookham

No, the violence will only get worse. It should be a lesson to everyone that democracy can only come when the Iraqi people build it themselves and not when it is imposed by an invading force.
Dani Thomas, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan

The only solution to the violence in Iraq would be a UN mandate. The Americans and British have to transfer all powers to the UN and we need to get the Arab nations involve with the peacekeeping and rebuilding of Iraq.
Ed, Toronto, Canada

It is unbelievable that, in so many areas of seemingly relentless conflict such as Iraq or Palestine/Israel, nobody in power seems to have realised yet that there will never be a winner! There will only be losers and victims until all sides swallow their pride and considerably lower their expectations of their "rights"
Andrew, Bangkok

At the beginning of the war, people around the world with rational mind begged Bush and Blair not to use force and think of the consequences. But Bush and Blair were so intoxicated with their power. Now, as an Iraqi American myself, with family of Sunni and Shia in Baghdad and Basra, I suggest and demand that all foreign forces leave Iraq and let the Iraqis to settle their affairs. It is said, "You reap what you sow."
M. Latif, Fl., USA

With so many vested interests meddling it will be a long road Phillip, expat France

With so many vested interests meddling it will be a long road, but if reconstruction is allowed to continue then as Iraq sees a brighter future the citizens will start to fight back themselves. Once the Americans have secured the future of the country then the pathetic UN will roll in and try and take the credit for themselves.
Phillip, expat France

Far too many have died for this illusion of freedom ultimately designed to profit Western mercantile activities. In my view, Bush and Blair were less than honest in their reasons for going to war and are naïve to believe they can sort the mess they have created, with boots and all. How many more years of bloodshed? Twenty? More? They will blame others, including the Iraqi people, but themselves though. Only when they realise and acknowledge their own folly and that any retaliation is outrageously misguided in the climate they have fostered - encouraging much more violence, can lasting peace be properly negotiated. And whether they like what the Iraqi people want or not, they will have to let it take its course without trying to impose might. Elections should have happened six months ago.
Bruno Grasswill, Enmore Australia

Yes but it takes political will from all sides. I hope it will stop quickly. I also hope that lessons will be learned well and that this whole episode will dampen certain politicians' enthusiasm for war.
Tim Spencer, Southampton, UK

The Iraqi people need the support of the world to stop these criminals HM, London

The evil terrorists heap suffering on people who have already suffered enough. The pace of democracy must not be undermined by the barbarians who would enjoy nothing but death. The Iraqi people need the support of the world to stop these criminals.
HM, London

It might prove very hard to stop violence now. The sure thing is that we could have done a lot to avoid the onset of violence by not engaging in a war in the first place. Is violence right only when handed out by us?
Stefano, UK

When coalition forces leave, then you might have peace. As long as they are there the Iraqis pride is hurt so they will fight.
Youssef, Middlesex, UK

When enough people feel that, they have been fairly treated. Although, that doesn't seem very likely to happen in next few years.
Lasse, Tampere, Finland

I have a nephew in the US Marines, thankfully in North Carolina right now. But you bet we are worried and questioning Bush's judgment.
Jim, Indiana, USA

Sure it can. After the target of violence is removed (UK and US) then there will be few brief turmoils during the fight for power and after that there will be peace. I do not see any evidence that would say that Iraq will not be peaceful after it defeats the invaders.
IF, Russia

All fires eventually burn themselves out Benson Magaba, Harare

Men and boys will fight whenever the means to fight are present. In Iraq the means to fight are there, lose guns, ammunition, trained militia, an occupying force, several levels of pure hatred, an ignorant but arrogant occupying force with no visible agenda, etc. What does anyone expect? But all fires eventually burn themselves out. If the USA leaves on 30 June there will be an orgy of violence of Iraqi against Iraqi but that will die down after several years. As for democracy, that is simply not compatible with Islam and should not be bothered with. Leave them alone to sort themselves out. Promise them help if they are calm and collected enough to be able to use it.
Benson Magaba, Harare, Zimbabwe

It can be stopped if US withdraw its army from Iraq. Iraq is for Iraqi people and there is an organisation called UN that could deal with the country. US should pull out his army and not have any hope of getting free oil. This is the war of religion and oil. It is not about freedom. US kills Iraqis as Saddam did but in different label. US needs an excuse to be in the region, this violence is one of them. Saddam is out, what else do you want from Iraq? Leave it to the UN and Iraqis.
Kamal, London, UK

Yes the violence in Iraq can be stopped if the American and the British are out of this poor country. The people were killed during Saddam and now they are killed by the Americans and the British. Leave them alone they will suffer of course in the beginning but everything has an end. Do the Americans and the British really care about the Iraqi people? Or all they want is the petrol. We all know that most of the people in America and UK are against this war. So what is the problem?
Firdaus, Cairo, Egypt

The violence will not stop as the issues cannot easily be resolved, even when the coalition forces move out. The fight for power, religious supremacy and control over the country's wealth have only started.
O Thomas, Warwickshire

Many people oppose the war and sympathise with the troops Ross Woodhouse, Brighton, UK

Whilst I sympathise deeply with anyone who has relatives out there, they should not confuse opposition to the war with opposition to the soldiers and what they are doing. Many people oppose the war and sympathise with the troops who are, it is felt, merely pawns in a larger political game and should not be out there. I personally see no conflict with supporting the troops while at the same time opposing this messy war.
Ross Woodhouse, Brighton, UK

I have friends serving in Basra and they are starting to really feel the heat - there is no doubt in my mind that this war is solely about protecting "our" oil interests in Iraq with the deposition of Saddam's regime being one of the many hurdles. The problem is that innocent civilians and our troops die so that Americans can continue driving SUVs on the cheap - the important global environmental debate on oil is non existent.
Rupert Eden, Lisbon, Portugal

The worry is these small groups of bandits will start to form larger, more organised bands as the momentum of fear and US opposition grow. In the end this is how most civil wars start. The catalyst regrettably is the 'freedom' given to the Iraqi people. June is a small number of weeks to go and I'm sure the US will pull their troops out sharply to avoid any fiascos in the presidential elections - I can't see it getting better after that.
Dave R, Newcastle, UK

The UN should take over with a strong mandate Heidi B, Cairo, Egypt

As a German living in the Middle East for many years, I have learned one thing - most Arabs are not fit for democracy for a lot of reasons. Unfortunately, most of them need a strong dictatorial leader to unite all the factions, clans and tribes. Pride will never allow them to accept foreign interference - for good or bad. Most western people do not understand this kind of pride - especially the Americans and so we are in this mess. The UN should take over with a strong mandate, built up the country and the infrastructure, develop education and maybe with God's help one day, the next generation will be able to understand and live "democracy".
Heidi B, Cairo, Egypt

Moving into Iraq was always a foolhardy mission. You can't tell friend from foe. Get out now. It is another Vietnam. America just won't learn from history.
Terry Farrell, Chichester, UK

I am Iraqi and was in Baghdad only two weeks ago. There is no way that the Iraqi interim government can handle the security situation post 30 June. The Allies must firmly stay in charge and possibly with an increase in their numbers. The catastrophic mistake of totally disbanding the old Iraqi army and police force totally lies with the Allies. Unfortunately, now it is only the Allies who have any hope of restoring some kind of normality.
Lateef, Ireland/Iraq

I have both nephews and friends serving in Iraq. What is needed is more troops and tighter control. There is so much chaos and mistrust that the Iraqi people don't know who to trust and who to listen to. I totally agree with what others have written about the real story of the conflicts among the Iraqi people themselves. Everything that I've been hearing back indicates that the media is only reporting some aspects of very complicated problems.
Lin, USA

Let's just wish all the servicemen and women a safe return to their families Mandy, Blackwood

I have a son out in Basra. It appears the violence is getting worse, problem being we don't know who the enemy is now. We are right to remain there, if we pull out now it will lead to bloodshed. Let's just wish all the servicemen and women a safe return to their families.
Mandy, Blackwood

I'm working out here and see a different picture talking to locals who only want peace and security. These attacks are an attempt by outsiders to undermine both.
David, Iraq

What I find distressing is that all the extreme religious groups are taking the opportunity to turn this occupation to their advantage to gain power. They are not interested in their own people, they call them martyrs and their own people blindly follow. That way leads to more bloodshed. What the people should do is support the coalition to build a better future. I can see a time when Iraq will have a religious dictatorship just like the one that existed in Iran in 1979.
Mark, Switzerland

I spoke to my cousin in Kut yesterday. He said that for 8 months, the majority of the city inhabitants got on very well with the American troops stationed there. But that was 4 months ago. Now the situation is changing and even my own family (who welcomed the invasion) are critical of the behaviour and tactic of the young/inexperienced American troops. When fired at from one direction, they shoot back in all four. This is not right, their tactics are not winning hearts nor minds but encouraging young hot blooded youngsters to join the ever growing resistance. It seems like our beloved Iraq is being attacked from all sides. Do we have any friends out there?
Ammar Al-Allak, Epsom, UK

America's self interest will continue to get in the way of true progress John Farmer, Henley-on-Thames, UK

I have a relative working in security in Iraq. He says the number of attacks by Iraqis on Iraqis is not reported and amounts to a Wild West scenario where everyone is living in fear of being mugged, or killed. We only hear about the high profile attacks on coalition or Iraqi security forces but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Until a powerful force (like Saddam's regime) is in place, the vacuum will be filled by lawless people. I don't believe the Americans have the ability to impose such a regime without causing more resistance so it can only be a UN-led international force that can legitimately claim to be working in the best interests of the Iraqis. America's self interest will continue to get in the way of true progress.
John Farmer, Henley-on-Thames, UK

I have a nephew in the US Marines, thankfully in North Carolina right now. But you bet we are worried and questioning Bush's judgment.
Jim, Indiana, USA

Having fought in the first conflict, I was proud to have been part of the combined forces which protected the population of Kuwait. The conflict in Iraq is on a different plain. The British forces are doing a sterling job, using diplomacy before brawl. I just wish that the other forces would adopt the same protocol, and perhaps the Iraqi people would understand that we are there to help not hinder.
C.N Griffiths

A long and painful journey to peace Anand, Bangalore, India

It's going to a long and painful journey to peace. Many innocent lives both Iraqi and non Iraqi are going to be lost. All because of the short sightedness of the US. Removing Saddam was easy, but they had no idea on how they would be perceived by the general public.
Anand, Bangalore, India

My boyfriend was one of the four soldiers photographed in flames a few weeks ago after a firebomb attack in Basra. When people ask what are we doing there, should we be there, I get very frustrated. I think people fail to realise whilst we're all sat back discussing and arguing, there are men out there, some like my John are only 23 years old. I'm so proud of my man and his daughter's very proud of her daddy. The violence will stop eventually but please let's support our lads while they try to rebuild a peaceful, fair and altogether better Iraq.
Jo, Plymouth, UK

I feel what you are going through Jo from Plymouth UK. I too have a loved one in Iraq. He believes there will be peace, but it will take time. He talks to the people and he finds them very supportive. They don't want the US to leave until things get stable there. I support him 100% as should the people of the US. Our troops are doing an outstanding job.
Barbara, USA

This attack targeted Iraqis, not the British or American occupying forces. Any withdrawal of our troops now would, I fear, lead to civil war, and a rise in the death toll. Sadly, we're in a no-win situation. If we stay, we're being neo-colonial. If we withdraw and a blood bath ensues, we'll be accused of failure to intervene.
John, England

The violence will end when the US and the UK remove their illegal occupying forces. I have yet to see any evidence that the Sunnis and Shias hate each other so much that Iraq will collapse into civil war once the coalition leaves. The violence seems to be directed at the coalition and those who support it. This is Iraq, not Bosnia or Lebanon.
Steven McGee, Glasgow

This is the start of something that is going to come back to haunt every last person supportive of US foreign policy Abu Ubaidah, Johannesburg, South Africa

It most certainly can, though only when the United States and its fellow occupation forces leave the country entirely. Every last soldier and every last piece of machinery. The people of Iraq together with people in the Middle East, and now around the world, are seeing this as a war against a people and a religion. This is the start of something that is going to come back to haunt every last person supportive of US foreign policy.
Abu Ubaidah, Johannesburg, South Africa

Now that the Americans have opened the religious "Pandora's Box" combined with an unbelievable ignorance of the Arab culture, Iraq will suffer. They will not see peace for at least the next 25 years, if then.
Thomas, expat American

Thomas, "Pandora's Box" has been open for years. It is dangerously naive to believe that the US single-handedly brought about religious strife. While US policy may be flawed and American understanding of Arab-Islamic culture is probably limited, it does none of us any good to pretend the US is the source of all evil. What of those who foment instability in Iraq and provide the US with a fait accompli to remain? Maybe the world should unite in resolve (for once) and try to do something constructive here. But I'm not holding my breath.
Guy, USA

As a coordinator on a college-run army preparation course, I have 12 ex-students currently serving with an infantry regiment in Basra. Most have just turned 18 and I feel both pride and anxiety in view of their involvement in this very difficult situation. I'm sure many Iraqis see these young men as invaders, when their remit is simply to keep the peace in readiness for 30 June. I truly hope that some solution can be reached but get the feeling that there are too many factions, warlords and other power bases.
Andrew Desborough, Haverfordwest, UK

The way to stop this violence is to demonstrate our resolve to create a democratic and free Iraq Edward Lush, Wilts, England

Nobody ever said the transition to democracy would be easy and those who felt this are incredibly naive. Setbacks are inevitable. The way to stop this violence is to demonstrate our resolve to create a democratic and free Iraq. We must carry on boldly in the face of this violence, to realise the dreams of a peaceful majority and not bend to a violent minority.
Edward Lush, Wilts, England

Yes the violence can be stopped. All the US has to do is give up its hopes for long term military bases in Iraq and trying to guarantee that any elected Iraqi government supports US foreign policy. Failure to do so is a sham that Iraqi people cannot support, fuelling independent nationalist movements and further resistance to occupation.
Steven Johnston, Edinburgh

No, never. Not until the "decent majority" speak up and stand up against the "criminal minority".
H K Livingston, London, UK

It only required a few to bring mayhem, but more seem to be joining against the occupation. It is just the start, I am afraid.
David, Rennes, France