Baghdad has agreed "in principle" to scrap its al-Samoud missiles, to much acclaim from European doves, but has promised to continue to arm itself and kill Iraqi civilians "in practice".

The US administration poured scorn on the offer, but said it would continue to work via the UN in principle, and bomb Iraq whenever it pleases in practice.

However France and Germany welcomed the move. They continue to oppose war in principle while being expected to ultimately fall into line with a US military campaign in practice.