WE write regarding the terrorist atrocities in the USA and the likelihood of military action against selected targets in the Middle East.

'Taking out' Osama bin Laden may seem to be a good idea, but we should not allow this focus on one individual by our tabloids, our top politicians and our basest instincts to fool us into thinking that it will solve the problem of terrorism against the West.

Both history and common sense tell us that military strikes against Middle Eastern communities will cause many innocent casualties and deaths. Far from eradicating the scourge of terrorism, such action will fuel the resentment and fear which terrorism thrives on and will create more suicide bombers who will continue to threaten the security of our lives.

However great may be our desire for immediate revenge, a look to the future and sensible planning for worldwide security and stability tell us that this long-term problem does not have a short-term solution.

Only a long-term foreign policy based on justice and a treatment of other people and cultures with respect and dignity will begin to tackle the problem. We need political vision, not war.

Margaret Quinn, Martin Mowforth, Lorna Legg, Martin Legg, Maggie Squire, June Mowforth, Ann Gude, Rupert Gude, Norna Beadle, Gill Gorbutt, Nita Sculthorp, David Evans, Mark Sculthorp, David Gorbutt, Sally Curtis, David Oddie, Ginny Davies, Margaret Davey, Pete Mayston, Pat Blower, Pat Mayston, Rick Blower, Elaine Bentley, Malcolm Medhurst, Ray Bentley, Judith Medhurst, Terry Faull, Priscilla Goodfield, Martin Quinn, Justine Squire, Pete Squire, Kevin Eady, Jackie Eady, Claire Keatley, Tania Seldon, Dorothy Cowan. Sally Challiss, Mary Toon, Sarah Kelsey, Peter Brissenden, Hilary Prentice, Rebecca Sargent, Allisson McDermott, Edwin Davis, Erica Hall, Jane Soulsby, Richard Songer, David Brown, Diana Brace, Kay Nicholson, Patricia Castle.

Signatures collected by Tavistock Peace Action Group