Analysis: US moderates eclipsed on Iraq

A tough UN resolution may be prelude to military action

By Jon Leyne BBC State Department correspondent

The tough resolution proposed by the Americans on Iraq will have great difficulty getting through the Security Council.

Already, Russia, France and China have voiced their objections.

If this resolution is passed in anything like the form proposed by the Americans, it will be seen as an ultimatum to the Iraqis.

It is difficult to see how the Iraqis could accept these terms.

So it will be an challenge designed to lead to war.

But the wording of the proposed resolution is so tough, it raises other questions.

Rejection expected?

Is this just the opening bid from Washington for what will ultimately be a much watered-down compromise resolution?

The UK backs Washington, but can other countries be convinced?

Or are the Americans already expecting their resolution to be rejected by the other members of the Security Council?

In that case, President George W Bush could blame the UN for failing to act, then go it alone.

The continued tough language from the administration suggests that may be his true purpose.

That would explain why it has taken so long even to persuade Britain to agree to the resolution, despite the otherwise firm support of the UK Government.

It would also indicate a reason for the prolonged discussions within the Bush administration before this wording was agreed.

Once again, it looks as if the moderates in Washington have lost out.