But a whole variety of factors - the call-up of certain types of reservists, the chartering of commercial shipping, the reported movement of pre-positioned equipment both to and within the Gulf region - all suggests that if war comes, it could begin with far fewer signs of obvious preparation than many people have argued.

BBC: Bush considers military options

Spoil him with diversity, so that if there ever comes a time when he is called to war, he will always remember to see the world through the other's eyes.

CNN: Why a man eats another man's heart

When it comes to war with Iraq, the prime minister is, if anything, even more confident about the role he, and he alone, must play.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot