I WAS opposed to the Iraqi war without UN approval.

When the battle began I was assured by the "Rambo" attitude of the American top politicians that we would be in Baghdad within a week, with the population wild with thanks for their liberation from Saddam.

I was assured by the media that the conflict would be over almost before it started. I wish the British and American forces my sincere hopes they will not be in Iraq for months to come, and victory won.

There are fears from the American press that politicians are trying to interfere in military strategy. Rumsfeld's name has been mentioned, the allegations, of course, denied by him.

What I find obscene is that Iraq is being sold off, even before the battle is over. The retired US general, Jay Garner, will apparently oversee the reconstruction of the country. There is disquiet about this appointment, as he is an arms dealer. Dick Cheney, the Vice-President, is said to have oil interests and is keen to help Iraq rebuild.

I have not read of any business deals for Britain. The only mention of anything British is the HSBC Bank asked to explain its relationship with a blacklisted Iraqi Bank owned by Saddam's bank in Baghdad.

While the forces sweat and toil in the heat and sandstorms of the desert, it is good for them to know things back home are going well. Matt Barrett of Barclays Bank has been awarded share options that could eventually earn him £9 million, despite the bank having a bad trading year. That should comfort our troops to know "it is business as usual" back in Blighty.

John S L Evans

Howard Avenue

Deane

Bolton