AS a former member of Her Majesty’s late-lamented Armed Forces, I am relieved to learn that we are now unlikely to be dragged into another war, as we were as a result of lies told us by Tony Blair.

The reports of chemical weapons being used in Syria are appalling and something has to be done to end the killing of innocent civilians. However, military intervention will only add fuel to the flames with cruise missiles or air-strikes inevitably causing more civilian casualties – or ‘collateral damage’, to give its cynical euphemistic term.

Also, should the US initiate military action, will Russia and Iran just stand by and watch? Some observers contend that another power may well be ratcheting up the situation in order to bring Iran into the conflict, a theory which would not surprise me in the least. What does cause me concern is the usual application of double-standards. Where was the outrage when Israel killed 1,400 civilians – including 300 children – in its attack on Gaza? Where were the calls for military intervention?

Many of the casualties in Gaza were burned to death by the use by Israeli ‘Defence’ forces of white phosphorous, which burns right through flesh to the bone and is virtually impossible to extinguish.

Is not white phosphorous a chemical weapon, and as such, was its use not a war-crime?

GORDON CLACK

Witney Road

Ducklington