There has been a mixture of emotions and concerns over the bombing raids on Iraq. The greatest of them has been for the suffering and loss of the ordinary men, women and children in that country.

The reaction within the Muslim community has been more concentrated against the action.

The Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Mohammed Ajeeb, accepts that Saddam Hussein is a dictator who has committed the most terrible atrocities against his own people.

But he has hinted in a speech that Prime Minister Blair and President Clinton are no better than Saddam and could not claim to be acting in the name of democracy.

In Keighley one community leader has gone further, stating the bombing raids were a clear sign of bias against the Muslim community and part of a growing anti-Islam campaign.They were both speaking as individuals.

Feelings are running high, and such statements from community leaders do little to calm the air. In fact they may well add to the problem. All clear-minded people will share concern for the innocents, and would support those who express those feelings. But at a time like this, words should be considered and chosen with great care

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