YOU don't have to travel very far to broaden the mind - one of the major advantages of a multi-cultural society is the world of knowledge that now lies on your doorstep.

I suppose when I first began visiting the local mosque as a police officer, it was part of the job. The mosque was on my patch and a focal point for many local people so it was important to keep in touch. But over the years my trips to the mosque have become something to look forward to, a pleasure I have continued to enjoy as Mayor of Middlesbrough.

My Westernised-views are often at odds with those of the Muslim regulars mainly of Pakistani descent, which leads to lively debate. But they can certainly teach the women who heckled and slow-handclapped Tony Blair on television last week a few things about manners and respect for opposing viewpoints.

I have had many heated discussions with the mosque elders, as well as the young people, but we have always listened to each other's point of view, be it on prostitution, the need for a zebra crossing, racial discrimination or whatever.

The mosque leaders would far rather have a frank exchange of views than the patronising drivel they get from some of their visitors. You know the type. They nod and agree with everything being said but, in reality, it is going in one ear and out the other.

That certainly isn't the case with Tony Blair. He has consulted widely, made his decision and is now prepared to justify it. It's easy to lead when times are good but a crisis brings out the best and worst in leaders. Tony Blair is proving to be a leader we can be proud of.

I made my position on Iraq clear in this column two weeks ago. The time has come to deal with Saddam Hussein once and for all and we as a country should support the Prime Minister in his stance, which increasingly seems likely to result in war.

I was asked about this stance on my most recent visit to the mosque when it was clear the 60 or so present were opposed to war. Though they condemned the actions of Saddam, they felt there must be an alternative to war. I'm not convinced there is, but I now have a much greater appreciation of the wider picture and I find myself agreeing with the Muslims on the need to resolve other issues - in particular the Israel/Palestine question.

Both sides of this divide have suffered enough and my hope is that when Saddam has been taken out, the United States will put its full weight behind a determined bid to bring peace to the Middle-East.

Of course a second UN resolution supporting action against Iraq would be welcome, but all the logic in the world will not achieve that if you have a nation like France whose leader states he will veto such a vote whatever the arguments. Saddam Hussein has repeatedly undermined the United Nations' directives; embargoes and resolutions have failed. He is not the only dictator in the world who needs to be tackled but this does not justify standing idly by as he threatens further outrages. Tackling Saddam decisively sends a message to others that the world will not stand idly by and allow dictators to support international terrorism, threaten their neighbours and unleash genocide on their own people. What message does doing nothing send out?

Published: 14/03/2003