Iraqis prepare as Baghdad beats to the rhythm of war

UNTIL now, many Iraqis had seemed in denial about the prospect of war. No longer. Baghdad is beating to a different rhythm in the final hours before the seemingly inevitable US-led onslaught starts.

After President Bush had set yesterday as the final day for UN diplomacy to disarm Baghdad, even those who were sceptical before are panicking now. Realising that war is very near, Iraqis are racing against time to get what they need for the dark days ahead.

Jittery residents are rushing to stock up on essential goods. Long queues of cars, waiting at petrol stations round the clock, are clogging the streets.