Deployment plans
US allies prepare
America's Western allies are gearing up their troops for possible deployment to the Gulf in the event of a war with Iraq.
Britain said that a significant amphibious force - including an aircraft carrier - would be reinforced with a number of additional forces and moved to the Gulf region.
France said soldiers needed to be prepared in case new areas of engagement opened up - its clearest reference yet to the prospect of French involvement in any military action in Iraq.
About 350 US troops boarded planes yesterday at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, headed for the Persian Gulf. About 17,000 soldiers and support staff from the US Army's Third Infantry Division (Mechanized) eventually will be in the region.
