THE first strikes against Iraq illustrate a radical new form of military thinking, a defence expert said yesterday.

Disclosures about alleged links between Iraq and the al-Qaida terror group have so far been viewed with some scepticism, and been seen as part of an attempt to win over public opinion in the build-up to military action.

Saddam Hussein is relying on an army of spies to help him realise his dream of building a nuclear bomb, defence analysts said today.