US must change its policy on the Middle East for a safer world

AMERICANS present in Europe today will be struck by the ambiguity of many people towards their homeland, as September 11 is being commemorated.

Even as newspapers, TV and radio stations recall the dreadful scenes of 9/11, and sympathy towards Americans is expressed, there will be much criticism of George W Bush's war on terror.

Concern abounds about the suspension of human rights as terrorist suspects are detained; there is annoyance at America's willingness to go it alone if necessary, in the war against Iraq; and there is fear that Bush's unconditional support for Israel's tough Palestinian policy is making a bad international situation worse.