It was kind of relevant to his question about the subdued nature of the Iraqi response.

But the officer said the war plan maintains flexibility over the final deployment of troops in order to cope with a range of Iraqi responses.

But it illustrates the two-track Iraqi response to nearly three years of trade sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

British commanders called the Iraqi response to the crisis a success.

Their chances of success were high, they said, and the risks of an Iraqi response very low.

Bush Administration and agency officials said they were pleased with the Iraqi response, which followed an earlier letter that was considered insufficient.

The Iraqi response was to immediately order the invasion.

Officials said that the Administration would closely watch the Iraqi response to a series of surprise inspections which began today at nine sites in Iraq.

But it is expected to slacken somewhat, especially if there is no Iraqi response.

The precise form of the military action taken would depend on the nature of the Iraqi response.