George Bush's claim that the bombing of Afghanistan is a war to defend civilisation somehow manages to be both ludicrous and sickening at the same time.

The world's richest countries bombing one of the world's poorest is not a civilised response to the tragic events of September 11.

Nor, as most commentators agree, will it make the world a safer or more civilised place.

As the goals of the war change, from bringing Osama bin Laden to justice to installing a pro-US government in Afghanistan, the real reason for the campaign is becoming apparent.

The US needs a compliant regime in Afghanistan to ensure access to huge central Asian oil and gas reserves.

-Jez Macdonald, Carlyle Street, Brighton