Groups say British support for war in Iraq encourages extremists

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http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/15260976.htm

LONDON - British Prime Minister Tony Blair's support for wars in Iraq and Lebanon provides "ammunition to extremists," according to an open letter published in newspapers here Saturday and signed by leaders of prominent British Islamic groups.

The letter, endorsed by three members of Parliament and three British peers, in addition to the 38 organizations, notes: "The debacle of Iraq, and now the failure to do more to secure an immediate end to the attacks on civilians in the Middle East, not only increases the risk to ordinary people in the region, it is also provides ammunition to extremists who threaten us all."

While urging Blair to " do more to fight against all those who target civilians with violence, whenever and wherever that happens," the writers contends that "current British government policy risks putting civilians at increased risk both in the UK and abroad."

Foreign Minister Kim Howells responded sharply on Saturday.