Women on the frontline?

The Ministry of Defence in Britain says it's completed field trials that could open the way for women to go into combat.

A final decision on whether they'll fight alongside men will be made by the Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, after he's studied the findings.

Women already serve in the British Navy, on all ships except submarines, and in any job in the Air Force, including as fighter pilots, providing they pass the same fitness tests as men.

But unlike some other NATO countries, they are still restricted from joining frontline infantry regiments in the army.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service