BBC NEWS: US moderates eclipsed on Iraq

"Are the Americans already expecting their resolution to be rejected by the other members of the Security Council?

In that case, President George W Bush could blame the UN for failing to act, then go it alone.

The continued tough language from the administration suggests that may be his true purpose.

That would explain why it has taken so long even to persuade Britain to agree to the resolution, despite the otherwise firm support of the UK Government. "