Letter writer disputes arguments on war and regime change, plus a 1972 picture throwback

No law justifies America’s war

While I rarely agree with Martin Bristow, I have generally found his letters reasonably argued. I can't extent the same courtesy to his letter published on March 7. 

I am completely at a loss to see what "moral relativism" he discerns in the international law on war. War may only be declared (1) in response to an attack or (2) in pursuance of a resolution by the United Nations. It prohibits "pre-emptive" strikes and wars for regime change.

The notion that the attack on Iran has anything to do with improving the lot of women is risible. It is taking place with the complicity of Islamist regimes considerably harsher in their imposition of hijab, notably Saudi Arabia. It is taking place on the orders of an American president whose propensity for - ahem! - feline seizure doesn't inspire confidence that he has celebrated International Women's Day. 

The argument that the attack has anything to do with Islamism also founders on the fact that bombs are also raining down on Lebanon, the only Arabic-speaking country with a Christian president.

Interference by "the west" in Arab and Muslim countries have rarely if ever been successful: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan. And Trump's comparison of Starmer with Churchill should remind us that the latter was responsible for the overthrow of the democratic, social democratic government of Mossadegh in 1953, which heralded in the dictatorial regime of the Shah and its eventual overthrow by Khomeini. If I'm mistaken, and overthrowing a nasty regime is legitimate reason for a war is OK, I hope Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo are making plans.

Alan Harrison, Midlands

Wrong track on file pictures

You have published a news story online of the rail disruption between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. But can you start getting supporting pics correctly! The picture of the train is a electric one. The Shrewsbury to Wolves is not electrified. This has been a common thing with yourselves, just picking out historical pictures.

Chris Bird, Midlands

Water end is not for me

By the steaming porridge bowl of my maternal grandfather, what is this? Scotland is now offering a water cremation. Any self respecting Scotsman would not go anywhere near a water cremation, even if someone else was paying for it. As for a single malt cremation, that might be just the job for the many already working on it.

Peter Steggles, Rushbury

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