Iraq hostage crisis deepens as Saudis offer Muslim troops

IRAQ'S hostage crisis deepened as US and Iraqi officials considered a Saudi proposal to dispatch Arab or Muslim troops to Iraq.

An Arab League "troika" of foreign ministers are also considering an appeal by Baghdad for Arab troops to protect a new UN mission.

Pakistan condemned the beheading of two of its nationals by militants, with President Pervez Musharraf describing the act as a crime against humanity that had damaged Islam, while a Somali truck driver was reported captured by alleged al-Qaida followers in Iraq.