Any rational balance sheet of the last decade would show that the 'war on terror' has been a failure in its own terms: it has not prevented terrorism but caused it to spread.

After the fiasco over Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, people around the world are rightly sceptical about claims of gas attacks in Syria.

It is hard to resist the conclusion that this war has no purpose other than its own eternal perpetuation. This war is not a means to any end but rather is the end in itself.

Every major criticism of Iran, used to justify America's harsh economic sanctions and overall belligerence toward the country, can also be lodged against the United States.

US involvement in Syria is risking regional war that could include Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, with the potential to drag in the bigger powers.

With its record of criminality and crimes against humanity, Britain has no right to pontificate and brow beat Syria, Iran or any other nation about "international obligations".