Why do we think that intervening in other countries affairs ever makes things better? Most of us understand that much of the trouble in the Middle East is as a direct result of us meddling. Colonel Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein were tyrants and monsters but they kept the lid on the ethnic and religious powder-kegs that are Libya and Iraq. They would eventually have been overthrown by other monsters and the situation would have remained stable but we had to intervene with no plan or exit strategy.

Both of these countries are now in catastrophic mayhem. Syria is a civil war with at least four different sides to it and we cannot and should not get involved; to do so would only make it worse.

There is no easy solution for any of these countries. Much of the trouble is based on the Sunni, Shia and other religious factions with their wars being supported by different Middle East countries. Nothing will ever be solved until Iran, Saudi Arabia and others stop using these conflicts as a proxy war. Until that happens we should stay out; then, if requested, we should perhaps assist concerted action, led by countries in the region, to put an end to it.

In the meantime it is the responsibility of the paymasters of the different factions to get together and sort it out.

DS Blackwood

Helensburgh