The Netherlands and Denmark today announced a block on sending more troops to Afghanistan unless its election run-off creates a legitimate government and until President Barack Obama decides on a new strategy.

Nations on the front line in Afghanistan stepped up pressure on their Nato allies today warning their refusal to join the battle was threatening the country’s future.

More than 1,000 protesters burned a British flag and the regional administration in Iraq’s main southern province severed all ties with British authorities over video footage showing British soldiers allegedly beating and kicking Iraqi youths.

Two Danish Army medics have come forward to report that they witnessed Iraqi prisoners brought to a military clinic after being beaten by British troops, Denmark’s defence ministry said.