PRINCE Alwaleed bin Talal, on a visit to New York, gave Mayor Giuliani a cheque for 10 million dollars for the rebuilding of the devastated city.

At first the gift was received gratefully. But when the Prince later offered a criticism of American foreign policy in the Middle East the gift was returned.

When you and I find ourselves in a state of shock we find it hard to accept criticism. Similarly, at this time of national disaster, it is understandable that Americans find themselves unable to be self-critical. So perhaps Mayor Giuliani's reaction is understandable.

But if attitudes like this persist, then there is little hope for America or the rest of the world. America must learn to be less self-righteous. It must learn to be more self-critical. It must come to understand that its foreign policy has often been misguided. It must also listen to others when they offer criticisms.

We rightly criticise Muslim extremists when they declare holy war and the main reason for our criticism is that in declaring a holy war we oversimplify things. Everything we do is right. Everything you do is wrong. But isn't this exactly what America is doing in declaring war on terrorism?

The American people are hurt and hurt people often react strongly. But if it is wrong for extremists to declare a holy war it is just as wrong for America to turn the war against terrorism into a secular holy war.

Terrorism is not one simple thing. We can't have a stand up fight with it. Neither bombing raids nor a ground invasion will root out terrorists from their hiding places. Didn't America try that in Vietnam?

Yes, terrorists must be sought out. They must be brought to justice. They must receive the due punishment for the atrocities they have perpetrated. But, alongside this, their hearts need to be won back to sanity and to public discussion. Those people throughout the world who are anti-American will never be won over by American self-righteousness. They could be won over by a listening America, a humble America.

Nor will the people of Afghanistan be won over by President Bush asking every American child to contribute one dollar to relief aid. No doubt this gesture is fully genuine on the part of Mr Bush and the children. But can't he see just how hollow it will look to the people of Afghanistan?

I am not a pacifist. I think we should use force against terrorism. But force will never be enough. It is not even the main thing. It is hearts and minds that need to be won over.

Michael Williams

Vicar of Bolton Parish Church