Powell opposed to attacking Iraq without allies

US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, does not believe American should launch an attack on Iraq that involves the US attacking Saddam Hussein alone.

However, Vice President Dick Cheney, is said to be supportive of an American military offensive on Iraq without allies.

Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, is reported to have said the case for attacking Iraq will be made on leadership and not consensus.

Lawyers for the Bush Administration say there is no legal necessity for the president to consult Congress on any military moves against Iraq.