SIR - I'm "against" the likely war with Iraq, "against" much American foreign policy (and the British poodle-mentality that follows it), and "for" the prompt formation of a Palestinian state.

However I also believe that Ms Jabeen (Letters, January 23) is very nave to state "al Qaida is a myth created by the West".

While it may not have the formal structure of many other radical groupings, there are undoubtedly a number of people promulgating and following the ideology al Qaida has come to represent. The application of this ideology can include planning and staging lethal attacks on civilians in western countries. To deny that this is taking place is delusional.

Digby Stalman, Shirley Street, Saltaire.

SIR - Note how the savage Israeli-Palestinian war can only - according to one thesis - be resolved if America invades Iraq; how terrorism cannot be ended in Israel until the US destroys Saddam. There can be no regime change for the Palestinians until there is regime change in Baghdad.

By going along with the Bush drive to war, Blair is indirectly supporting Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza (since Israel still claims to be fighting America's "war on terror" against Arafat).

Does Blair believe Britons haven't grasped this? Does he think Britons are stupid? A quarter of the British Army is sent to fight in a war that 80 per cent of Britons oppose.

How soon before we see real people power - 500,000 protesters or more in London, Manchester and other cities to oppose this folly?

Abrar Bhatti, St Michael's Road, Bradford 8

SIR - I was interested to see that in the region of 2,000 people turned up to support a "Peace March" in Bradford the other day. Presumably some of those people also came from outside Bradford. Therefore, it could be reasonable to argue that approximately 500,000 did NOT turn up and didn't support it.

It has never once been said that it is inevitable Iraq WILL be invaded yet the bleeding heart, chattering liberals will always alter the truth to fit their own agenda. What has been said is that if Saddam Hussein does not disarm, then it will have to be done for him.

M Wood, Westercroft View, Northowram.

SIR - I have been involved with Scope for the past 20 years, and I am trying to organise a reunion in West Yorkshire. From 1985-1995, Scope (then known as The Spastics Society) ran "Alternative Lifestyle" and "Give Us A Break" courses, designed to give disabled adults the opportunity of trying a range of activities, from cookery to horse riding.

The courses were hugely successful and many people who attended made lifestyle changes following the course.

As I am hoping to organise a reunion in the North East later this year, it would be very exciting if I could hear from anyone who attended these courses.

Please ring Anne Bulmer on (01924) 366711 if YOU were one of those who attended one of these courses.

Bill Wallwork, Scope, Moor Park Business Centre, Thornes Moor Road, Wakefield.

SIR - Following the report in your newspaper about the party given for the Fagley senior citizens, we feel we must write to say what a wonderful occasion it was.

There are so many bad reports about the youth of today but those who looked after us could not have been kinder. Some 12 or so young people from the Fagley Youth Club waited on table, served our food and generally looked after us to make it a wonderful party.

Along with the ladies of the After School Club they made it as good as any top-class restaurant.

The youngsters talked to us about old times and tried to dance with us, which caused much hilarity, and generally made it a day to remember. The 30 or so seniors who were there gave their grateful appreciation to Alan Clarke and all those concerned for a superb job.

Everyone said they now know that not all kids are bad. In fact those who gave up their spare time deserved an award for kindness.

From the ladies and gentlemen of the Fagley Friendly Club.

SIR - The authorities are looking for large, country establishments to accommodate asylum seekers. Three eminently suitable locations spring readily to mind, as they are completely empty for much of the time. They are to be found in Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral. An added bonus is that these places have a long experience of housing immigrants from Germany, Denmark and Greece.

Peter Wilson, Thornhill Grove, Calverley.

SIR - There appears to be a generous amount of talk about the urban fox. Is it a menace? Is it our cuddly friend? Is it worth the livelihood of hundreds of people? Is it a danger to the public?

I for one don't know the answers but considering the number of sad people who relish the chance to "Fly the fox's flag", I think that the pro-fox fanatics are far more dangerous than all the foxes in Christendom!

Trevor Williams Berry, Bredon Avenue, Wrose