Diplomacy is unfashionable in the world of knee-jerk reaction and the dogmatic sound bite on television.

History provides no precise guidelines.

We must admit that history is enjoyable to a large extent because it enables us to pass judgment on the past.

No military timetable should compel war when a successful outcome, namely a disarmed Iraq may be feasible without war, for example by allowing more time to the UN inspectors.

People know they are lacking something, they are constantly wanting some kind of spiritual guidance.

War on Iraq runs the risk of turning the Middle East into an inexhaustible recruiting ground for anti- western terrorism.

The tragedy of 9/11 galvanised the American superpower into action, leaving us in Europe divided in its wake.