I FULLY agree with John Phelan's opinion about the troops in Iraq (HAS, June 29) - get them out and home as soon as possible.

I was in the Second World War, but we knew the enemy - they wore uniforms. In Iraq, our troops can't distinguish friend from foe, they all look alike, and conditions in the country are getting worse.

What is happening in Afghanistan? I thought this was a UN operation. If so, where are all the troops from the other members?

It is time our lads had a rest and let the French, German and other members of UN take their turn at fighting the Taliban.

Alan Watson, Witton-le-Wear, Co Durham.