ABSTRACT: MIRROR UK

The treatment of the prisoners in Cuba is no more than a sick attempt to appeal to the worst red-neck prejudices.

The pictures showing how these men are being abused were actually taken by an official US photographer.

The President and his head-banging associates are proud of them, proud of the cruelty inflicted in their name, proud of the vengeance they are taking.

What the American President does is his business. But what our Prime Minister does is ours.

Even if these men had been found guilty, they should not be treated like this. These pictures will do the opposite - inflame the belief among some young Muslims that America is their enemy.

Anyway, who are these prisoners? It is said that some may not belong to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda at all, but were members of the Taliban.

That was a horrific regime and the Afghani people are delighted to be rid of it. But it achieved power with the help of the United States and the UK.

Since September 11, America has walked a fine line between fighting for humanity and lusting after revenge. The treatment of these prisoners shows how far the balance has tilted the wrong way.

If Mr Bush insists on following this path, the rest of the world should leave him in no doubt that he walks it alone. And Tony Blair should be leading the protest.

What is happening at Guantanamo is a disgrace. It must not be done in our name, Mr Blair.