I WAS amused to read Pete Winstanley’s “dispassionate”

view of how to defeat terrorism taking into account its origins and basis of support (HAS, Sept 28).

However, while repetitiously reminding us that the West is somehow culpable in these atrocities, he fails to see the largest obstacle in the quest for world peace which is the Muslim leadership.

The anti-Semitic ravings of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the promise of a $100,000 dollar bonus to whoever murders the director of an anti Islam film by a Pakistani government minister, serve only to incite terrorism in the name of Islam.

Until the Muslim leadership recognises and denounces these acts of terror, it will only encourage the rogue elements within to wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

Mr Winstanley also rightly criticises Israel for its abuse of Palestinians, but if Jews and Muslims are to live in harmony, they need to recognise the rights and beliefs of each other.

Sadly, Palestinian and other Islamic states refuse to accept even the existence of an Israeli state. For this reason, Israel relies on, and must be given, the full support of the West.

Kev Mcstravick, Darlington.