This must end

The monstrous terrorist attacks in Turkey this week, followed by the bombing of an Iraqi oil pipeline, corroborates what sensible opinion makers have been warning all along: that the US-led war against terrorism is a Pandora's box, and that US blindness is leading us headlong into a decisive phase where terrorists will strike with ever-defiant impunity.

There appears to be no end to the string of suicide bombings. North America, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kenya -- terrorist attacks now span four continents. The omen is not good.

Neither the US nor any other world power can by sheer military force impose its idea of peace. Not only is it clear that the peace America wants is a cover for the second phase of its war -- the reign of US imperialism and the grabbing of oil and influence -- but the very logic of its war is flawed; built on outdated doctrine. Terrorists do not have regular armed forces, nor armoured divisions, and cannot be fought as such.

Neither can guerrilla fighters be fought along the lines of traditional war. Especially not those who have the sympathy of their compatriots -- numbers running in millions.

The US has learnt nothing from Vietnam. Arrogance and stupidity is the order of the day in Washington. Even among the closest of US allies, a growing sense of anti-Americanism is evident. Even if the US media refuses to cover it, London's streets proved it.

Meanwhile, amidst the confusion, Israel is forging ahead with its vicious campaign of aggression against the Palestinians. Bush may like royal treatment, but he has to realise now that the royal mess he is in is of his own making.