Tensions Rise as US and Britain Resist Air Strikes Against Saddam Hussein

Tensions remained high in Baghdad as the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, refused to allow UN arms inspectors to complete their searches, sparking a series of incidents that have raised concerns about potential military action. The US and Britain maintain a strong military presence in the region, with aircraft and navy ships on standby, but have stopped short of launching air strikes. Despite the ongoing standoff, the US secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, has left the door open for military action, stating that the option remains on the table if Iraq violates its promise to co-operate with the inspectors.

Key Takeaways:

• The US and Britain have resisted mounting air strikes against Saddam Hussein despite Iraq's refusal to allow UN arms inspectors to complete searches.
• Tension remains high in Baghdad, with teams of inspectors making fewer visits than in recent days due to alleged incidents of local interference.
• Derek Fatchett, a junior minister at the Foreign Office, warned that Britain views these incidents as serious but stopped short of fueling the row, suggesting this week's incidents were not serious enough to merit military strikes.
• The US secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, said the military option remains on the table if Iraq violates its promise to co-operate with the inspectors.
• The US and Britain maintain a strong military presence in the region, with aircraft and navy ships on standby.
• The chief weapons inspector, Richard Butler, is set to make a report on Iraqi compliance early next week to the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan.

Statistics:

• There were significantly fewer visits by UN inspectors in Baghdad yesterday compared to recent days.
• The US and Britain have maintained a strong military presence in the region, with aircraft and navy ships on standby.
• The UN arms inspectors have been blocked from entering the headquarters of Iraq's ruling Ba'ath party.
• The number of UN inspectors on the ground in Baghdad remains unclear.

Sources:

• Byline: SEVERIN CARRELL Political Correspondent
• Unnamed sources within the Foreign Office and the US State Department.