Stars urge Bush to avoid war with Iraq

Hollywood stars have sent a letter to George W Bush urging him not to start a war with Iraq.

Martin Sheen, who plays a US president in The West Wing, organised the message that was signed by more than 100 entertainers.

Kim Basinger, Samuel L Jackson and Jessica Lange are among those backing the letter, which said a war would increase the chances of more terrorist attacks, damage the economy and undermine America's moral standing in the world.

Sheen said he believed Mr Bush was eager to go to war with Iraq because he wanted to settle a personal score with Saddam Hussein.

Mr Bush's father ended the dictator's invasion of Kuwait but did not overthrow him in the 1990 Gulf War.