Military force to follow 'failure of diplomacy'

War against Saddam Hussein and Iraq ws looking almost certain tonight after the US and Britain said that their efforts at diplomacy had failed.

Both countries' ambassadors at the United Nations and governments denounced French "intransigence" on the issue which had forced them to abandon efforts to secure a second resolution in the Security Council.

White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said: "The diplomatic window has closed as a result of the UN's failure to enforce its own resolutions for Saddam to disarm."

France rejected the claims while UN secretary-general Kofi Annan followed that up by announcing that he was ordering the withdrawal of weapons inspectors from Iraq.

The 159 inspectors have said they would need 48 hours to withdraw, prompting speculation that war could start by mid-week.

Some reports suggested preparations for departure had already begun in Baghdad even before Mr Annan's announcement.

In Kuwait and the Middle East, Britain, the US and other countries were ordering all of their nationals other than diplomats to leave in preparation for the seemingly inevitable conflict.

Elsewhere, Israelis were being told to prepare for possible attack by acquiring the necessary equipment to protect themselves.