I draw malaysiakini readers' attention to the recent letters highlighting the need for fairness and level-mindedness on the part of the US in carrying out reprisal action against terrorists.

Further, there were questions as to why our nation is agreeing to support military action as suggested by the headline in Malaysian tabloid, The Sun. My fellow readers, I will now make an unpopular but realistic statement.

Saying no to US is not an option.

US is a country primarily driven by the needs of its self-interest, as are all nations. Once stirred, it has proven in the past its capability to use all available force to subdue its enemies. In doing so, its own interest was of prime consideration. It has and will continue to use a variety of diplomatic and not-so-diplomatic methods to garner support from others to justify its actions and will react as it wishes.

Although we are discussing about a developed and educated population, we need to recognise that the majority of Americans are quite easily swayed into supporting their government. One only has to follow CNN reports to see the depth of their grief and shock and how this is played up unabatedly. Those who followed the reports from the start would also notice that it is clear that calming and moderating voices are drowned in this public show of emotion.

We are correct in saying that all forms of terrorism must be eliminated. This must also include the Basque terrorist in Spain, the IRA in the UK and those who killed refugees in Sabra and Shatila. Note that these groups are not mentioned at all. It's all about Osama bin Laden and his supporters. This is a clear indication of their intentions and against whom they are planning reprisals.

I now need to draw the readers' attention to the uncompromising statements made by General Colin Powell. There is no room for diplomacy. We're either with them or not, no fence-sitters. Take this seriously. US is the only country that has attacked civilian population with atomic bombs to minimise US military casualty.

It is also a superpower that has attacked Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Yugoslavia and Ethiopia in the last 20 years. Prior to this, it was involved in Korea and Vietnam. I list this to emphasise its resolve in doing what it thinks is right. It is immaterial whether it was really right.

The issue of right and wrong is immaterial. It is also subjective. At this point in human history, America is right because it has the might.

Where does this leave us? Stand up and remind them that countries can choose to defend universal principles of fair play, remain neutral, or quietly and perhaps cowardly say yes to avoid economic and/or military action?

A nation has many options and we cannot afford to ignore these options in defending our own self interest which is of primary importance. Malaysia must defend Malaysian interest first in a world of realpolitik where fairness and truth is subjective and only self-interest is real.

Let us not be dragged into an issue on the basis of principles and made to pay an unbearable price.

I have chosen a pseudonym for obvious reasons.