Alan, I agree that Rumsfeld should be sacked, but possibly for different reasons than those espoused by your correspondent. BTW, word on the street is that Condy Rice is being touted as a replacement.....give me a break. Anyhow, short of a "final solution" to the Middle East problems I can't see it ending....at all. You can't reason with religious fanaticism/fundamentalism. Someone said it resembles another Vietnam, ie unwinnable without getting fairdinkum.....I think there is a modicum of truth in that. Cheers, Carl.