In reference to J Shanker's letter, 'Leave Osama out of the question', (Oct 18), I am under the impression that it is the US bombs that are killing the Afghans. If it is Osama bin Laden that the US wants, then surely the most powerful nation on earth can find other ways to do it.

I find similar arguments on Iraq. The US appears to want to get rid of Saddam Hussein, but instead seems content with starving children and the infirm. Being the sole superpower, it is surely a dictator, seen in the context of the world.

The weak resort to violence only when they feel that all other avenues are closed to them. This does not mean that their methods are right. Violence is never right. Perhaps the powers that be should listen more.