As we approach the fifth anniversary of the terrible attacks on the US, I’m wondering what has happened since? Those events, almost five years ago seem recent in some respects and ancient history in others. Have we learned any lessons?

No. The “war” appears to be gathering pace. Since 2001, we’ve had bombings in Spain, London and Bali to name but a few. Countless other attacks have been thwarted – so we’re told by the media. Israel, Lebanon and Hizbollah is a big topic in its own right. It’s also easy to forget the daily attrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan, if you don’t get to page 20 in the newspapers. People are dying every day. How has the “liberation” helped them? It is inevitable that there will be more attacks on the UK and the US too. Tomorrow, it could be you.

I don’t know what the fundamentalists are fighting for, or what they really think they can achieve … do you? I hear contradictory stuff criticising Western society from British Muslims who wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else but in the West – their Nike tee-shirts betray them. I see Islamic clerics calling for Jihad in Finsbury Park, then taking benefit money from the government and tax payers they purport to hate. Hate them, hate their money. I hear inflammatory remarks from fundamentalists who want the blood of any non-Muslims – leaving no place for compromise or any space for victory on either side. What do they want? It is utterly ridiculous to expect the Western world to stop and declare themselves as Islamic. It’s like asking the Sun to turn blue. It just won’t – why would it?

I see the West denying nuclear technology to Muslim states, keeping nuclear stockpiles themselves but allowing Israel to have these weapons too. I see the self-appointed World Police making mistake after mistake, placing themselves on a pedestal, worshipping themselves and acting in the name of “God”. This is led by a man who had previously never set foot outside his own country – probably his own state. How does he understand other people’s cultures? Does Condaleeza Rice tell him? I hope not. It’s a rule of fear – fear of sanctions, fear of attack and fear of losing support that would be catastrophic to their countries – support being military and trade. Imagine the UK without American support – this would cause severe problems, even for one of the leading players in Western Society. “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of Muslims who would die and kill for their belief. There must be something in it. The media says they are brainwashed. I find it difficult to believe so many people could be brainwashed – that is science fiction – their commitment comes from sheer belief. I respect such an underlying faith, but surely the direction is misplaced? They don’t need to maim and kill (including themselves) – surely they should attempt to educate through example? Looking around the western society with all its failings – they really wouldn’t have much to fear from an intellectual argument with the people that run the world in a debating chamber, would they? Whilst they continue down the “lose-lose” path, no one will listen. The World is too frightened. Dropping the guns and bombs and starting to talk would be the start of a very, very long journey, and would require much faith, compromise and forgiveness (on both sides) – but it’s the only path where everyone will not lose.

Watching some music channel today, and they were showing “Do they know it’s Christmas” by Band Aid. My son, 7, says ‘why are they showing all that?’. He’s pointing at the clips of starving people in Africa. I explained why. He asks a few more questions. Then he says, ‘why don’t they just get them all out in helicopters?’ – I said, ‘who?’ – he said, ‘those poor people.’ (Note: they’re not “Black” or “Africans”) – I said, ‘but where are you going to put them?’ – ‘the army could do it,’ he says – ‘but where are you going to put them?’ I say again – ‘bring them all to England,’ he says, looking at me like I’m stupid.

When you grow up, the phrase ‘it’s someone else’s problem,’ is used a lot, isn’t it?

(To lighten the mood, he then tells me, ‘my school think it’s so serious, they’ve put a poster on the wall about it.’)

The death count from the siege has reached 320 and will no doubt become much worse. That’s more dead people than was even thought to be in the school before it all kicked off. And who’s the winner? No one. Who could have won? No one.

I cannot comprehend the motivation behind the people (used loosely) who committed this crime. How can people dream up and execute such plans?

Whatever the grievances of the Chechens, their cause has taken huge steps backwards. The Russian Bear will retaliate, probably removing more than a few innocents from the world in their justifiable rage. The retaliation will be a real reaction to something quite abhorent, but will also be motivated by political reasons. The politicians are already reacting to evade criticism and the like – it’s the same as immediately after 9/11. I was working for an American company and the staff were screaming with horror – but within 2 hours were analysing the effect on certain markets to maximise their trading capability. The world gasps, but then moves on. I don’t see the children who survived or their parents being given that luxury.