Amid speculation that the UK's 123 Tornado jets would be phased out, it has now been confirmed that a reduced fleet will be retained, but three air bases, including RAF Kinloss, will close.

BBC: The UK's defence dilemma

The individual services have been increasingly at odds with one another as the strategic defence and security review approaches, with signs that Army numbers are likely to be spared, and that the Royal Navy will get its two aircraft carriers, though may have to sacrifice some of its surface fleet - while the RAF could see many jets and some bases cut.

BBC: RAF Typhoon jets

Bahrain, the headquarters of America's Fifth Fleet, has now joined Saudi Arabia in prohibiting the use of any bases on its territory for strikes against Iraq.

ECONOMIST: Mercy mission to Baghdad | The