Do you support military action against the people responsible for the worst terrorist atrocity the world has ever seen, or is diplomacy the answer? Find out what fellow iVillagers had to say

According to a recent survey, two out of three British voters support military action against the terrorists responsible for the attack against America. And reports of massive troop build-ups and covert operations by special forces indicate they will get their wish. But what are the implications of action? Few people now believe we can have a strike against terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan without the threat of prolonged war. Some say it is inevitable and warranted, others plead for calm and diplomacy.

The news that the Taliban have enough weapons to fight a war for a decade has further divided opinion among iVillagers. Many of you urged caution, pleading for western leaders not to rush to hasty judgement or action.

'I pray that the powers that be show some sense and restraint. I do not think military action against an already crippled country is the best option,' stated one iVillager. 'I think every person who supports military action should ask themselves if they would be prepared to see their mother/sister/wife/husband/child die because "someone kicked America so they want to kick back harder." Step back and think - killing many innocent people, invariably children, will only result in more hatred. I ask everyone to pray for peace.'

Others agreed. 'If we take military action, we are showing ourselves as having no more respect for human life than the terrorists,' claimed one poster. 'Sure, they cannot be allowed to "get away with it", but there are other ways. Lines of communication and a cool head need to be kept at this challenging and difficult time.'

Another added: 'I don't think governments should behave like terrorists. We have no right to kill and injure people. In my opinion, no direct action should be taken without evidence.'

In contrast, other iVillagers were convinced military action was the only way forward. 'When Osama bin Laden directed the attack on America, he went too far,' said one furious correspondent. 'We have no option but to stand up for ourselves now. If terrorists get away with something that huge, we will be looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives - and we can't live like that. The time to take a stand is now.'

'It's awful to think of the people who may be killed if the troops go in, but I simply don't see what else we can do,' admits another.

However, the counterpoint was stated very clearly by one iVillage member with first-hand experience of war. 'It's all very well people saying "let's do it". As a member of the armed forces, it's us that have to do this. I've already been to the Falklands and the Gulf. I'm fed up of going away and so are my family. Answer this question: will you be joining up to fight?'Casualties may not be limited to our soldiers either. There has been saturation coverage of the threat of nuclear, germ and biological warfare should military action go ahead.

Many iVillagers were apprehensive, alluding to the danger of a third world war. Said one poster: 'I know it is a dreadful thing that has been done, but why react by bombing the country of the so-called culprits? That will make us just as bad as them. A lot of innocent people will be killed. The rest of the world will be involved and there might not be an ending. I am terrified.'

Another member added: 'We have so much man-made power that we could destroy the whole earth. New York was as close to Armageddon as I would like to get.'

'Even if you do find bin Laden and "smoke him out", his people all over the globe will continue the "holy war" which will last until the end of time,' pointed out another.

Indeed recent reports coming out of Afghanistan suggest the Taliban are aiming to conscript up to 300,000 men to join the fight. Whatever happens in the next few days, it seems few iVillagers are underestimating the effects - and potential consequences - of military strikes.

As one iVillager summed up: 'Accusations flying, threats, scares, talk of war… do the politicians not know what the consequences would be? If they carry on, we could end up with nuclear war.'