SIR – As we start taking stock of the year that is closing and most of us are worrying about the gross mismanagement of the country s finances, we should not forget the greatest crime of all – that reckless embroilment of this country in the incredibly

SIR - As we start taking stock of the year that is closing and most of us are worrying about the gross mismanagement of the country's finances, we should not forget the greatest crime of all - that reckless embroilment of this country in the incredibly stupid and costly Iraqi war.

We should not overlook its actual financial and political cost, of course, but neither should we ignore the cost in human lives as well as the wounded and those maimed for life.

Obviously, if we had not participated in this folly, for a start, the Treasury would be several billions of pounds better off and better able to cope with the current financial mess.

Between March 20, 2003 and December 11, 2008, 178 young men and women perished to serve politicians' illusions of grandeur!

So, there it is. Nearly 200 families mourn their loved ones; thousands more struggle to help their wounded and maimed survive.

Do politicians realise the damage they have created?

Alexander Benakis, Northfield, Hatfield.