Muslim leaders kept a united front of pressure on Washington today to avert a strike against Iraq, saying it could unleash fresh turmoil in the Islamic world by widening a gulf between Muslims and the West.
But Britain and Belgium marked a subtle European shift in tone, reminding Iraq it had to abide by UN resolutions or risk facing Washington's wrath.
Although European states have repeatedly stressed their opposition to striking Iraq, some analysts say reluctant US allies may now be turning to the UN to get political cover for falling in behind an American war on Iraq.
Iraq chimed into the debate today by saying there was no point in allowing UN weapons inspectors back into the country, because an "insane, criminal" US administration was determined to attack and oust President Saddam Hussein.
Pakistani leader Gen Pervez Musharraf said Washington would not have the broad backing US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld forecast this week if it launched a strike against Baghdad.
"Muslims are feeling that they are on the receiving end everywhere. So there is a feeling of alienation in the Muslim world and I think this will lead to further alienation," he said.
The British Foreign Office said it would consider pressing for a deadline by which Iraq had to comply with the UN resolutions.
Separately, British Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw told the Financial Timesthat the return of weapons inspectors was only a first step, adding Britain did not rule out military action.