"U.S. President George W. Bush told Saddam Hussein to flee Iraq soon or face a U.S.-led invasion, abandoning U.N. diplomacy to brace Americans for war within days. Senior U.S. officials said Bush would give the Iraqi leader 48 hours to comply," reported the AP news agency.
"Saddam, giving no sign of heeding U.S. demands that he step down, warned that American forces will find an Iraqi fighter ready to die for his country behind every rock, tree and wall," reported the AP news agency.
"Australia's Prime Minister John Howard his government would commit 2,000 military personnel to Bush's coalition of the willing in a war against Iraq. Poland also pledged to send up to 200 soldiers," reported the AP news agency.
"The United Nations ordered its weapons inspectors out of Iraq, widening the stream of diplomats and foreign journalists heading for the exits before any shooting starts," reported the AP news agency.
"The United States and Britain urged their citizens to leave Kuwait immediately, citing the risk of chemical or biological attack by Iraq or by terrorists," reported the AP news agency.
"U.N. chief weapons inspector Hans Blix, ignoring the threat of a possibly imminent war, prepared to give the Security Council a 30-page report listing about a dozen key remaining disarmament tasks that Iraq should complete in the coming months," reported the AP news agency.
"Turkey's top political and military leaders called on the government to take urgent action to allow in U.S. troops," reported the AP news agency.
"British senior government minister Robin Cook quit as a revolt inside the ruling Labor Party escalated over Prime Minister Tony Blair's backing of military force to disarm Iraq without U.N. approval," reported the AP news agency.
"Israel's military instructed Israelis to acquire all the equipment they need to protect themselves in case of an Iraqi attack," reported the AP news agency.
"A CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll found eight in 10 Americans would support a U.S. invasion if the U.N. passed a resolution; 54 percent would support it if the resolution did not pass; people were just about evenly split on an invasion if the United States did not offer a U.N. resolution and said it would proceed with military action without any new vote," reported the AP news agency.
"Prime Minister Helen Clark said Tuesday it was highly debatable whether a U.S.-led strike on Iraq would be justified under international law. She said the United Nations has refused to approve any resolution which would support a strike on Iraq," reported the AP news agency.
"Dozens of anti-war protesters were arrested in Washington as President George W. Bush abandoned diplomacy in the Iraqi crisis making war appear imminent. Holding signs and singing we shall overcome, more than a hundred people peacefully marched from a church in southeast Washington to Capitol Hill. Fifty-four people were arrested for crossing police lines," reported the AP news agency.
"Prime Minister John Howard has announced that Australia will take part in any U.S.-led military action to disarm Iraq. In a live television address, Howard said his government would commit 2,000 military personnel to any U.S.-led strike aimed at disarming Iraq," reported the AP news agency.
"Canada will not join in a U.S.-led war on Iraq that did not have the support of the U.N. Security Council. Chretien's announcement came as the threat of war mounted with the United States, Britain and Spain saying they wouldn't put their resolution seeking U.N. authorization to use military force against Iraq to a vote because of a threatened French veto," reported the AP news agency.
"The coming war with Iraq is arguably the most unpopular conflict in U.S. history, the Arab-American professor Edward Said said Monday. He said this is a war for Iraq, a push within the American administration by small group that has decided to ignore all dissent. This is perhaps the most unpopular war in American history. It is the first war to be opposed so widely even before it takes place," reported the AP news agency.
"Edward Said, A professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, New York, branded America's attitude toward Iraq as imperial, saying that Washington's drive to topple the regime in Baghdad and install an elected government has little to do with the advancement of democracy and human rights, but is a war for resources and strategic control, among other things," reported the AP news agency.
"Secretary of State Colin Powell's insistence on traditional diplomacy while confronting Iraq prevailed against hard-liners in the Bush administration, but it failed in the end to win U.N. support for force to disarm President Saddam Hussein. As a result, the United States stands ready to go to war without the backing of a new resolution, and Powell's commitment to moderation in the administration has sustained a blow," reported the AP news agency.
"US officials warned on Sunday that the only way to avoid war was for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to disarm and step down, as President George W. Bush gave the United Nations 24 hours to decide whether to support military action," reported the AFP news service.
"The United States, Britain and Spain abandoned efforts yesterday to get international endorsement for war against Saddam Hussein as UN officials arranged to withdraw staff from Iraq. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was to give the order soon for hundreds of humanitarian staff, oil monitors as well as weapons inspectors to withdraw today, diplomats said. There are more than 300 UN employees in Iraq, including some 135 inspectors and their support staff," reported the Reuters news agency.
"The United States told UN arms inspectors to pack their bags and leave Iraq yesterday, with last-ditch talks at the United Nations Security Council looking unlikely to break a diplomatic deadlock amid unswerving French and Russian opposition to war," reported the AFP news service.
"With the UN diplomatic efforts at a dead end, British Prime Minister Tony Blair will join the US-led invasion of Iraq and trigger off a national row over its legitimacy," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"Barring an eleventh hour U-turn by the peace camp at the United Nations, British Prime Minister Tony Blair will join the US-led invasion of Iraq and trigger a national row over its legitimacy. By going to war without a second UN resolution on which Blair had staked so much of his case, he would be going back on his word to the Labour party and the people. The first casualty of war has emerged: Commons leader and former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has resigned, and the talking point in Westminster is the size of the Labour backbench revolt," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"Public support for Australia's conservative government has slumped sharply because of its unflinching backing of a US-led war on Iraq, an opinion survey showed yesterday. The Morgan poll found support for Prime Minister John Howard's coalition slipped 4.5 percentage points to 39%. Over the weekend, Howard was booed by protesters while small anti-war demonstrations were held across Australia," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Pope John Paul II said on Sunday Iraq's leaders had a duty to co-operate with the international community to avert war and told both sides there was still time to negotiate. He said that having lived through World War Two, he felt duty-bound to tell the world: Never again war," reported the Reuters news agency.
"The World Health Organisation has put a global health warning on the atypical pneumonia that is believed to have killed nine people. Nothing suggests that terrorists could have created the killer strain of pneumonia that has hit Asia and Canada, US Vice-President Dick Cheney said on Sunday. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention were working to identify the source of the illness," reported the news Agencies.
"The Commonwealth group of mainly former British colonies decided on Sunday to extend a one-year suspension of Zimbabwe at least until December amid bickering among member nations. The sanction against President Robert Mugabe's government was imposed in March last year in protest at alleged election-rigging and the seizure of white-owned farms for redistribution to landless blacks," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Serbian police have arrested 307 people in a broad investigation into the murder of the country's Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Police are acting under expanded authority allowed by the state of emergency," reported the dpa news agency.
"Iraq has trained tens of thousands of martyrs to fight American invaders in the streets and in the desert," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Arabs who awoke yesterday to find the US president had declared the arrival of the moment of truth said they had little doubt war on Iraq would soon follow, and with it more trouble for a volatile region," reported the AP news agency.
"In the event of war, Iraq's ageing air force will be knocked out within days, said the base commander of Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) units in Saudi Arabia. The presence of foreign troops in Saudi Arabia and the issue of what they will do if the United States and Britain attack Iraq is increasingly contentious, given strong Saudi opposition to war," reported the Reuters news agency.
"The United States, widening a campaign of psychological warfare in Iraq, is faxing messages to Baghdad residents urging them to help US soldiers in the event of war, residents said yesterday. The faxes also instructed them to tune into an American army radio station broadcast in Arabic," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Iraq's capital was yesterday caught in an uneasy vigil waiting for the fury of a US-led war designed to redraw the map of the Middle East. The small fortresses built of sandbags which began to appear discreetly a week ago have spread throughout the city, dotting road junctions and the entrances to official buildings," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Israeli troops backed by dozens of armoured vehicles stormed a refugee camp near here early yesterday sparking gunbattles in which at least five Palestinians were killed, among them a four-year-old girl," reported the AP news agency.
"Israeli troops killed 10 Palestinians, including a toddler and a 13-year-old boy, in raids on the Gaza Strip launched as Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was set to clash with lawmakers over changes he made to a key bill to appoint a power-sharing prime minister. The deadly new raids came after an army bulldozer crushed to death a US peace activist trying to prevent almost daily house demolitions in Rafah, a town on the Israeli-controlled southern border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip," reported the AFP news service.
"President George W. Bush's deadline for Saddam Hussein to surrender power passed unheeded early Thursday, and war against Iraq appeared inevitable. An American-led invasion force of 300,000 troops awaited the order to strike. U.S. and British forces massed in the Kuwaiti desert close to the Iraqi border, giant B-52 warplanes were loaded with bombs and Tomahawk missile-carrying ships were in position, all awaiting an attack order from Bush," reported the AP news agency.
"Israel's military told its citizens to start carrying their gas masks to work and to school, and listen for other instructions ahead of a U.S.-led military strike against Iraq. Israel said it issued the warning based on George W. Bush's ultimatum to Saddam Hussen. The U.S. president warned the Iraqi leader he had until Wednesday evening to leave the country or face the consequences," reported the AP news agency.
"The United States launched war against Iraq on Wednesday. Bush planned to address the nation at 10:15 p.m. EST (1515 GMT), little more than two hours after the deadline the president set for Saddam Hussein to flee his nation or face war," reported the AP news agency.
"Anti-war protests drew noisy chants and quiet prayers as the United States moved closer to invading Iraq. Demonstrators were arrested after sitting down on the street in front of the White House and blocking entrances to government buildings in other cities," reported the AP news agency.
"With Iraq defiant, units of a US-led invasion force moved into position yesterday to launch a war to oust President Saddam Hussein that could be less than a day away. One day after Saddam dismissed a US ultimatum to leave Iraq and spare the country a war, the top US naval commander in the Gulf said the start of the war was very likely ... within a couple of days," reported the AP news agency.
"Tens of thousands of people were yesterday pouring into northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region from government-controlled areas, but even after having to abandon their possessions most were relieved to have escaped with their lives. The few aid workers still in Chamchamal (Iraq) described the growing exodus from northern cities such as Kirkuk as a potentially catastrophic humanitarian emergency that organisations like the United Nations had failed to prepare for," reported the AFP news service.
"Iraqi President Saddam Hussein prepared yesterday to face his nemesis with the same implacable defiance and secret defences that characterised his three decades in power. Saddam struck a tone as defiant as the war looks inevitable, staring down the final warnings from the world hyperpower in Washington that the end is nigh," reported the AFP news service.
"Mexico said on Tuesday it had deployed some 18,000 troops to increase security on its porous border with the United States and protect strategic installations against terrorism as war in Iraq looms. Mexico was one of six undecided members of the UN Security Council. It never had to declare its position because the US abandoned its push for a resolution, although President Vicente Fox said on Monday he regretted the US decision to go to war," reported the Reuters news agency.
"The international medical organisation Doctors Without Borders has decided to stay put in Baghdad despite the imminence of a US-led war on Iraq," reported the AFP news service.
"Japan plans to protect its oil supply after a US attack on Iraq by using coast guard vessels to escort oil tankers heading to and from the Middle East," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Former US president George Bush told ABC News he supports his son without reservation and pledged to maintain a low profile as President George W. Bush prepared to launch war on Iraq," reported the AFP news service.
"As a growing number of journalists heed US President George W. Bush's warning to leave Baghdad ahead of a US-led attack, the major American TV networks have agreed to share video footage from the Iraqi capital in the first 24 hours of a war. The video pool arrangement among broadcasters CBS, ABC, NBC and the cable news outlets of CNN, Fox News Network and MSNBC marks a rare display of co-operation among the intensely competitive networks not seen since a similar agreement during coverage of the Sept 11 attacks on New York," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Three RMAF C130 aircraft left for West Asia yesterday to evacuate Malaysians from three countries in the region as the US-led war on Iraq draws closer. The three aircraft left for Dubai to bring out some 400 Malaysians, who are now in Iran, Syria and Jordan," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"It took 12 centuries for Baghdad to fall from its zenith, awash in cultural and material riches, to become the frayed, delusionally grandiose city that the United States is poised to attack again. If American soldiers do end up running Baghdad, they will be lords of a city of stories and only another in a long string of occupiers. And so the people of Baghdad are again preparing to be bombed. Many have dug wells in their gardens and have been stockpiling food, fuel, cigarettes and the occasional bottle of whisky for the difficult days ahead. The authorities are making their own preparations. On many street corners are small dugouts lined with sandbags," reported the LAT-WP news agency.
"The hawks were overruled. Bush said Americans expected Osama to be dealt with first – but the decision only postponed by a year or so the moment of reckoning in Iraq," reported the Telegraph Group Ltd.
"U.S. forces launched air strikes against targets of military importance in Iraq, President George W. Bush said Wednesday night. He described the action as the opening salvo in an operation to disarm Iraq, to free its people," reported the AP news agency.
"Chinese state television ran unprecedented live coverage Thursday of the U.S. and British attack on Iraq, signaling concern among communist leaders over the developments. China Central Television carried pictures from Baghdad on three channels, using a feed from CNN," reported the AP news agency.
"Prime Minister Tony Blair was informed shortly after midnight (0000GMT) Thursday that attacks on Iraq were being brought forward, his office said. Blair was told that attacks on a limited number of command and control targets were being brought forward his Downing Street office said, but declined to add who had informed the prime minister," reported the AP news agency.
"Saudi Arabia, resisting pressure from Washington, has said it will not take part in a US-led war against Iraq in a strong rejection of military action partly aimed at calming a restless domestic front. The assurance came on Tuesday night in a rare televised address to the nation by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the kingdom's de facto ruler, who also used the occasion to appeal for national unity and calm, warning against troublemakers," reported the AFP news service.
"The Commons gave Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday night a decisive backing for war against Iraq, but he suffered the biggest anti-government rebellion by his backbench," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"Turkey finally moved yesterday to grant overflight rights to US bombers, but lost a US$6bil aid package after failing to allow US ground forces into the country for a possible invasion of northern Iraq. Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, who is also government spokesman, said a vote on the request would be held tomorrow. But NTV television said Washington was pressing Ankara to hold the vote still yesterday, before the US ultimatum imposed on Baghdad for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave the country or face war expired," reported the AFP news service.
"Telephone tapping systems have been found at offices used by France and Germany in the building where European Union leaders are due to hold a summit from today, an EU spokesman said yesterday. He said other delegations were also affected at the EU Council Justus Lipsius building and it was not known who was behind the espionage," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Former US president George Bush slammed down the phone on Mikhail Gorbachev as the former Soviet president tried to dissuade Washington from launching the first Gulf War in 1991, a Gorbachev aide said yesterday," reported the AFP news service.
"Britain and the United States cannot ask the international community to pay for reconstructing Iraq after the war they are about to launch, Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson said yesterday," reported the AFP news service.
"Yasser Arafat yesterday asked Mahmoud Abbas, his long time PLO deputy, to serve as prime minister, officials said, marking the first time the Palestinian leader is formally required to share power. Arafat tried until the last minute to limit the powers of the new position, but was rebuffed by a rebellious parliament – a sign of his weakening influence," reported the AP news agency.
"The glitzy red carpet arrival that is a trademark of the Oscars show will be dramatically scaled back this year to reflect the sombre atmosphere of war in Iraq. Organisers said the traditional glamorous party atmosphere would be toned down by eliminating one of the Oscar highlights, the red carpet fashion show, for the first time," reported the AFP news service.
"A Cuban airliner carrying 29 passengers was hijacked at knifepoint and landed under U.S. military escort in Key West," reported the AP news agency.
"A U.S. military operation is under way in southern Afghanistan. There were no details immediately available about the operation which is in the area of Kandahar, the former spiritual headquarters of the Taliban," reported the AP news agency.
"The virus causing the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been identified as a member of the paramyxoviridae family - the family of microbes that causes measles, mumps and canine distemper. Doctors in Hongkong and in Germany identified the virus after days of testing but the results have yet to be confirmed by the World Health Organisation that is co-ordinating investigations by 11 laboratories in 10 countries," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"Thailand's prime minister said yesterday that the country had expelled three Iraqi diplomats because they represent a threat to national security on the eve of an anticipated US-led war in Iraq. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the unidentified officials were asked to leave after an investigation by Thai and US intelligence officials, but said the expulsion was not solely based on the wishes of the United States," reported the AFP news service.
"North Korea said yesterday it has the right to develop missiles, increasing fears it might resume test-launching long-range missiles while the United States is focused on Iraq. Pyongyang has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast in the past weeks, raising tensions in a region already roiled by a standoff over its suspected nuclear weapons programmes. North Korea warned that it too has the right to launch satellites," reported the AP news agency.
"Galvanized by the American attack on Iraq, anti-war activists set off a barrage of street protests around the world, clashing with riot police, chaining themselves together, blocking traffic, walking out of classes and parading in mock chemical suits," reported the AP news agency.
"Flames lit up the nighttime desert sky from the direction of Iraq's petroleum center Basra, and U.S. and British forces entering southern Iraq saw oil wells on fire. U.S. military planners and oil importers have feared Saddam Hussein would order troops to sabotage their country's precious patrimony - 112 billion barrels of oil in the world's second-largest proven crude reserves," reported the AP news agency.
"Prime Minister Ariel Sharon strongly endorsed the U.S.-led offensive against Saddam Hussein, while Israelis showed mixed reactions to the threat of an Iraqi chemical or biological attack in retaliation. Palestinians, meanwhile, hoarded food against expected Israeli measures and demonstrated against the war in Iraq," reported the AP news agency.
"Ground war started as the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division attacked Iraqi troops with howitzers and multiple launch rocket systems, firing more than 100 shells. U.S. ground troops from the 1st Marine Division entered southern Iraq," reported the AP news agency.
"Second wave of missiles hit Baghdad, where the night sky was filled with anti-aircraft fire and loud detonations echoed through the city. The main presidential palace and the ministry of planning were struck," reported the AP news agency.
"With orange flames visible in the direction of the southern Iraqi oil center Basra, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld confirmed there are reports the Iraqi regime may have ignited three or fouroil wells," reported the AP news agency.
"The Red Cross confirms one person killed, 14 injured in initial U.S. attack," reported the AP news agency.
"The Turkish parliament approved a plan to let U.S. warplanes fly over Turkey in the war against Iraq. The measure falls short of Washington's initial request for permission to base 62,000 troops in the country," reported the AP news agency.
"Security concerns about terrorist attacks focused on U.S. landmarks and sites, such as nuclear power plants, statehouses and tourist sites," reported the AP news agency.
"The Vatican expressed deep pain over the start of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, faulting both sides for failing to find a peaceful solution. Pope John Paul II dedicated a dawn Mass in his private chapel to peace," reported the AP news agency.
"Anti-war protesters demonstrated in capitals around the world Demonstrators outside the White House changed no blood for oil," reported the AP news agency.
"Iraq fired a dozen missiles across the Kuwaiti border toward U.S. troops and at least one was intercepted by a Patriot missile. No injuries or damage were reported; there was no immediate evidence of chemical or biological warheads," reported the AP news agency.
"Allied forces crossed into southern Iraq on Thursday, following a thundering barrage of artillery that put Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on notice that the ground phase of the war had begun. Infantrymen on the move, their weeks of waiting for war finally at an end, cheered as shells screamed overhead," reported the AP news agency.
"Iraq fired Scud missiles at Kuwait yesterday, officials said, sending US troops scrambling into chemical protective suits and setting air raid sirens blaring in Kuwait City. Neither missile was believed armed with chemical or biological weapons," reported the Reuters news agency.
"US-led forces geared up yesterday for a massive ground war against Iraq after air strikes targeted President Saddam Hussein and his outlaw regime in an operation that drew worldwide condemnation. Saddam hit back with a volley of missiles on Kuwait, rallying the Iraqi people to resist the invadersand accusing US President George W. Bush of being guilty of a crime against humanity. Later at night, US cruise missiles slammed into the centre of Baghdad, shaking the city with massive explosions," reported the Reuters news agency.
"After its promised shock and awe campaign against Iraq started instead with a surgical strike against Saddam Hussein, the US was quick to reassure Israel yesterday that it had not left its ally open to Iraqi missile strikes. The US had promised Israel that one of its first priorities in the expected invasion would be to secure Iraq's western desert, the only region of Saddam's territory within Scud missile range of the Jewish state," reported the AFP news service.
"U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said yesterday the United States had indications Iraq may have set fire to three or four oil wells in the south of the country. Rumsfeld, who said the US military was trying to get more information on this, appealed to Iraqis not to burn the riches of their country. Iraqi Oil Minister Amir Muhammed Rasheed earlier denied the reports the oil wells were on fire near the southern Iraqi city of Basra," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Kuwait television also reported that several oil wells near Basra had been set alight by Iraqi troops, while Iranian media have reported US jets bombing these oilfields. The US Fox News television network also reported the fires," reported the Reuters news agency.
"A U.S. Marine helicopter crashed in Kuwait Thursday, killing all 16 American and British soldiers aboard," reported the AP news agency.
"Air travel throughout the Middle East was severely disrupted yesterday as airlines cancelled or re-routed flights to avoid the region's dangerous skies after the United States finally launched its long-awaited assault on Iraq. But companies were far from unanimous on which destinations they could continue to serve and which should be dropped," reported the AFP news service.
"US and British embassies across the Middle East shut their doors or operated at skeleton staff levels yesterday and warned their nationals to be extra vigilant following the start of the war in Iraq," reported the AFP news service.
"A US Air Force helicopter went down without serious casualties during operations over southern Iraq late on Wednesday, a US military spokesman said here, adding that it was not targeted by hostile fire. Military sources added that the mishap was not connected to the early morning Tomahawk missile strikes on Iraqi targets by US Navy vessels," reported the AFP news service.
"World leaders yesterday condemned the launch of a US-led war against Iraq, calling for the bombing to stop to save thousands of lives, amid fears the campaign could also trigger a devastating backlash," reported the AFP news service.
"Initial reports from US naval forces indicated no signs of disruption to shipping lanes in the Gulf or in the Strait of Hormuz following the start of the US-led war against Iraq, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. The newspaper quoted a senior Kuwaiti oil official saying that the emirate's oil operations, including field production and plans for oil-tanker loading, were continuing normally," reported the AFP news service.
"UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the United States on Wednesday it was responsible for protecting Iraqi civilians in war but said the United Nations should get ready to help soon. Annan spoke at a Security Council debate – attended by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Russia, Syria and Guinea - at which UN arms inspector Hans Blix was asked to explain what Baghdad must do to account for its banned weapons. The meeting was held before the US launched an attack on Iraq," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Anti-war demonstrators took to the streets around the world after the US attacked Iraq yesterday. Tens of thousands of Australians clogged city centres to protest as the US and its allies, including Australia, launched a war against Iraq. Anti-war leaders in the US urged Americans to show their opposition to US military strikes against Iraq by participating in walkouts and protests nationwide. Making a pre-emptive strike sets a bad example to the rest of the world, said Parrish, 44, of Maryland, US. What if Pakistan did a pre-emptive strike against India? They can say, The United States does it, why can't we?," reported the news Agencies.
"Ruling Baath Party cadres patrolled the otherwise deserted streets here yesterday after the United States launched strikes to end the quarter-century rule of President Saddam Hussein. Clusters of officers wearing the dark green uniform of the Baath could be seen at every intersection in Bagdad," reported the AFP news service.
"Pope John Paul II, informed that the attack against Iraq had begun, dedicated his mass at dawn to peace yesterday. Cardinal Pio Laghi, who recently met with US President George W. Bush as part of the pontiff's campaign against the war, said the Pope was continuing to pray for peace. Laghi reiterated that the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Baghdad was staying open throughout the attack, asserting that they also have a religious role to play," reported the AP news agency.
"Iran said yesterday it was bracing itself for up to 1.2 million refugees from the Iraq war and complained international help was slow in coming. UNHCR said yesterday it had given US$1mil to Iranian authorities for preparatory work at the four sites including the clearance of land mines, construction of access roads and building of water and sanitation facilities," reported the Reuters news agency.
"A group of wealthy Kuwaitis celebrated what they hope will be Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's downfall by partying through the night at a farm on the Iraqi border. Over jam sandwiches and warm camel milk, they began a nightlong vigil from their luxury frontline lookout as the countdown to the US-led invasion of Iraq ticked closer," reported the Reuters news agency.
"A group of 32 South Africans who volunteered to be human shields arrived in Iraq just ahead of the first US attacks, a man who transported the group said yesterday. Zakarriya said the volunteers' leader, Abie Dawjee, was very frank with the group when the bus arrived at the border. Dawjee said it is the least we can do for a country that has been brought to its knees by the most vicious sanctions in the United Nations' history and which is now about to be further crushed by a superpower," reported the AFP news service.
"Turkey was determined to send troops into Kurdish-held northern Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said yesterday describing such a move as a humanitarian mission," reported the news Agencies.
"Stock up your home for war, the inside page heading of Evening Standard sums up the mood in the capital that Britain is at war. Britons have been told by the Home Office website to stock up on essentials such as tinned food, blankets, bottled water and batteries, in case of a terrorist backlash against the country and the US," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"The bullish mood of the markets in the past week on expectations of a quick American victory in Iraq was given a sobering pause by President George W. Bush. In his address to the American people, Bush hinted that the war might take longer and be more physical than expected, and this was enough to send the FTSE slipping by some 25 points when the stock market opened yesterday," reported the Malaysian Star newspaper.
"There is surely no more obvious symptom of the corruption of western politics than the disproportion between the money available for sustaining life and the money available for terminating it. But the military-industrial complex is a beast which becomes both fiercer and hungrier the more it is fed," reported the Guardian.
"A Cuban DC-3 airliner carrying 35 passengers and crew was hijacked on Wednesday and forced to fly to Florida, where it landed in this city under escort of US military jets," reported the Reuters news agency.
"The US Senate on Wednesday narrowly voted against opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, defeating the centrepiece of President George W. Bush's energy policy," reported the Reuters news agency.
"Thousands of Asian workers, drawn to Kuwait to escape poverty at home, began returning home yesterday after the start of the US war against Iraq and fear of chemical weapons fuelled panic. But there was little sign of people fleeing other parts of the Middle East, with many reluctant to abandon jobs in the rich Gulf states, while governments refrained from organising mass evacuations for the time being," reported the Reuters news agency.
