UK unease over US Iraq policy

"The memo is critical of the American military approach. It says: "Heavy handed US military tactics in Falluja and Najaf some weeks ago have fuelled both Sunni and Shi'ite opposition to the coalition, and lost us much public support inside Iraq."

"The memo, according to the Sunday Times, was accompanied by a one-page supplement with "public lines to take" for British ministers.

"The "line to take" is a staple of ministerial documents. It ensures everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

"The interesting point about this "line to take" is that it does not reflect the memo. Instead, it blandly concedes only that "the security situation in Iraq is difficult."

Arf