Coalition faces losing battle in Iraq

IN yesterday's keynote speech, US President George W Bush stoutly defended America's decision to go to war in Iraq but then, he would, wouldn't he.

Once the controversial state visit to Britain was mooted, it was obvious Mr Bush would seek to justify the war on the premiss that a time comes when force can be justified in the defence of peace and values.

But, as tens of thousands of protesters will testify on the streets of London today, the assault on Iraq can no longer be justified on those terms.