Those readers who are concerned about the possible repercussions of a war against Iraq need look no further than LA-based Irishman Dermot O'Connor for enlightenment. O'Connor has created Gulf War 2, which is a projection of the most likely outcome of a new war in the Gulf. O'Connor used sophisticated temporal algorithms and historical semiotic analysis to achieve an accuracy rating of 99.999% in creating the mother of all Flash games.

Gulf war 2 is not actually a game, more a "a clickable slide show" which, it must be said, drags a bit towards the end as the Middle East descends into bloody anarchy. Still, it's got some nice touches. "Unit info" describes the Brits thus: Experts in killing people. Pro: Good with bayonet. Con: Needs huge amounts of tea. Good show. The average Saudi, on the other hand: Cares only about his own survival. Pro: he isn't the Taliban. Con: beats Phillipino caddies to death with his golf club.

You get the idea. Surprisingly, given that Gulf War 2 shows the US ultimately triumphant - albeit at the expense of total pandemonium from Egypt to Iran - it has enraged some US citizens. One correspondent, working up a tremendous modern slant on the "why don't you go back to Russia you Commie pinko faggot?" Cold-War classic, offers: "You must be French. I think your web site sucks. Why don't you move to Iraq? Communist hippy."

Thats right. Question the advisibility of war against Iraq and you're instantly branded a Communist hippy. Worst still, they call you French. It fair sends a shiver down your spine.

Gulf War 2 is available right now on a computer near you. Watch out for the forthcoming live television adaptation. ®