] Masses of Iraqi soldiers are deserting and senior members
] of President Saddam Hussein's ruling family circle are
] defecting as the countdown to a British and US invasion
] reaches its final hours.
]
] In northern Iraq, on the border with Kurdistan, up to
] three-quarters of some Iraqi regiments have already fled.
]
] In the mainly Shia Muslim south, Kuwaiti border guards
] are having to turn Iraqi soldiers back - telling them
] that they must wait until an attack begins before they
] can surrender.

Mass desertions weaken Iraqi defences