THE conflict in the Middle East and Africa are 21st century colonial wars but the complication is globalisation and the ease of international travel. As long as the United States, the UK and other EU countries feel it legitimate to kill people in the Middle East and Africa then no matter how the Establishment justifies its behaviour and foreign policy to us, we can expect some form of retaliation here at home. What would we as Scots do if the tables were turned?

It is worth repeating that terrorist atrocities in Europe and the US pale into insignificance with what is happening daily in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere in theatres of war where civilian casualties caused by allied forces are simply ignored by the media or discounted as “collateral damage” .

The individuals of concern would appear to be known to the security services; if they want to travel to Syria to fight for whatever side then I would let them go. I would however cancel their passports, their right to live in the UK, and not let them come back. It can only reduce the potential for terrorist atrocities here.

David J Crawford,

Flat 3/3, 131 Shuna Street, Glasgow.