Keep our cool

Here we go again. Theresa May says, in relation to the attempted murders in Salisbury, that the Russian regime was highly likely to be the source of the nerve agent, and hundreds of diplomats across the world are expelled. Now, in relation to the chemical weapons use in Syria, she says it is highly likely the regime was responsible. Evidence – there is none.

The result could be more missiles, more killing and further destabilisation in the most troubled part of the world. And likely reprisals in the UK, as happened after the Iraq invasion.

The former head of the UN weapons inspectors has said there is no evidence of who did it. It is known that the Al Nusra Front also employed crude chemical weapons. It is not out of the question that it was these weapons that produced the poison cloud – there are sources in the US telling the President just that.

As for Jeremy Corbyn, again he is being attacked, by those who should know better, for not being sufficiently Gung Ho. What is it they say of a true statesman? Paraphrasing, it’s about keeping your head whilst those around you lose theirs?

PHIL TATE

Craiglockhart Road, Edinburgh

Assad’s conduct is appalling, but Jeremy Corbyn is right to be cautious, and demand a debate in Parliament before endorsing military action in Syria. There are questions which need to be answered first: 1) What is the extent of our war aims? Do they include overthrowing Assad’s regime? 2) Do our likely allies in this campaign concur with out aims, or do they wish to exceed them? 3) I assume that we would seek avoid direct conflict with Russia, but what happens if neighbouring countries, eg Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, get drawn into the conflict and it escalates? Would we be committed to defending/retaliating if they provoked Russia to attack them? Answers on a postcard, please!

ROGER WEST

Swanston View, Edinburgh