SIR - Wouldn't the world be a wonderful place if everybody were like Karl Dallas? But unfortunately it's not.

Man's inhumanity to man has been going on since the beginning of time, for land, riches and ultimately power.

Fortunately we have people who are prepared to stop the cruelty that goes on around the world. They are called the British Armed Forces, arguably the finest fighting force in the world.

Ask Sierra Leone, Serbia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. If Mr Dallas had his way, the atrocities would still be going on in these countries.

We cannot stand by and watch al-Qaida and the Taliban carry out their evil work.

Members of the armed forces all around the civilised world are to be admired, it is a calling. They know the consequences but, as the extra soldiers who are going to Afghanistan said when interviewed on television, "this is what we joined up for, we are fully prepared, excited and ready to go".

I am glad I realised before it was too late what other people have done for me, even without asking. God speed boys and girls.

Geoff Tasker, Park Road, Low Moor