US intensifies Iraq build-up

The US military is continuing to move men and equipment towards Iraq as the Bush administration signals that the time for diplomacy at the United Nations is fast running out.
Air strikes against Iraqi missile batteries and radars said to be threatening US and British aircraft patrolling the air exclusion zones over northern and southern Iraq have become more frequent.

All the signs are that the military build-up could accelerate dramatically over the next few months if the US administration decides upon military action against Iraq.

Whatever may have been happening at the UN, the US military has been working to a pre-determined timeline - one that envisages a potential conflict with Iraq early in 2003.