THE first war of the 21st century has begun and British forces are in the frontline. This is a grave moment for the nation and the world. Committing troops to battle is the most momentous decision any Prime Minister can make. Tony Blair had to be sure that this was, in the words of the Archbishop of York, a "just war". It is.

What happened in America on September 11 was beyond nightmares. The unprovoked attacks on New York and Washington were meticulously planned to kill the maximum number of civilians. Nearly 7,000 ordinary people going about their normal business were massacred.

The United States, the mightiest military power in history, could have hit back immediately. America's desire for instant, devastating revenge, was palpable. Many thought George W Bush would go in all guns blazing.

Mercifully, he showed restraint. The president recognised that what happened on September 11 was not only an attack on America but on the free world. It has taken nearly a month for him to send in the military. The delay does not suggest cold-blooded revenge, but a cool-headed response.

Mr Bush, ably assisted by Mr Blair, has spent the time building a global coalition against terrorism. The evidence gathered linking Osama bin Laden to the atrocities has proved compelling enough to convince Nato, Russia and parts of the Arab world of his guilt.

Even so, some still believe that the use of any force is wrong. But it is not possible to reason with the fanatical bin Laden and the medieval Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In this instance, the only way to restore peace is to go to war.

As well as firing cruise missiles into Afghanistan, US aircraft made food and medicine drops for refugees yesterday. Unlike September 11, this is not intended to be an attack on innocent people. It is an attack on terror and deserves the country's support.

Updated: 10:04 Monday, October 08, 2001