Regrettably, there are ironic aspects to the terrible tragedy that struck the US last week, not least the fact that (if, indeed, they are responsible) Osama bin Laden and the Taliban are largely the product of the US war against the pro-Soviet governments of Afghanistan in the Eighties and funded by the Central Intelligence Agency.

Secondly, New York City is one of the major sources of funds of those paramilitary groups engaged in terrorist activity within the bounds of the United Kingdom in Northern Ireland, such as NORAID, which supports the Provisional IRA.

-Donald, Hall Road, Brighton