An interesting counterpoint was provided to John Parry's piece about anti-war protests by Will Self in The Evening Standard.

He made the case for a continuation of protest in the face of the exponential growth of this conflict.

I am sure if you asked any protester, they would say they "support" the men and women who have been placed in harm's way by the Government.

This in itself is not the issue. The issue is whether the fact they have been placed there is legitimate in the first place - politically, legally and morally.

While these questions still exist, protest should continue.

One could also argue it is our democratic responsibility to do so. Merely supporting the Government position without any dissent would bring to an end the intelligent and much-needed discussion the run-up to war prompted.

We should feel free in the "liberal West" to voice our opinions and challenge decisions taken on our behalf.

Anything else would be contrary to the values for which the troops are supposedly fighting.

-Brian Addison, Brighton Artists and Writers' Guild