US opinions vary to the British media

But the prime minister has won widespread backing across the Atlantic in the US media.

Editorials in US broadsheets and tabloids have praised Mr Blair for his "courageous" and "unwavering" support of President George W Bush's policy on Iraq.

Many columnists have even urged the White House to back Britain's proposals for a new UN resolution setting specific targets for Saddam Hussein.

The Washington Post's columnist, Mary McGrory, devotes a long piece to the subject of Mr Blair's domestic battles, entitled "Tony Blair in the dog house".

She says: "Tony Blair has been called 'Bush's poodle' for his support of the war in Iraq.

"He may be headed for the pound unless George W Bush can do some fancy footwork and perhaps eat a little humble pie to rescue him.

"Blair is essential to Bush's dream of a war. His staunchness has lent plausibility and respectability to the venture."

Frantic negotiations

McGrory attacks US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for suggesting British involvement in a war with Iraq was not necessary.

"He threw another log on the fire under Blair," she said.

Since 9/11, he and George W Bush have put aside their political differences and stood as twin towers of strength New York Post

"George Bush owes Tony Blair. He owes him big time."

The New York Times also devotes considerable space to the prime minister's difficulties.

In the paper's front page report on the Iraq crisis, Britain's negotiations for a second UN resolution are described as "frantic".

In the editorial today, the paper urges the White House to listen to Mr Blair's proposals and give the new terms for a resolution a chance.

"With his political fortunes sinking at home, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain is doing his best to reunite the United Nations Security Council on Iraq," it says.

"His efforts, though in need of some refinement, deserve strong American support."

Thatcherite stance

USA Today reports that the prime minister is "under pressure".

The paper's editorial also calls for President Bush to back the British compromise plan, and interprets his patience with the UN process as being a "pragmatic" move to give "cover" to an embattled Tony Blair.

The New York Times says Blair is essential to Bush's war dream

The tabloid New York Post sums up the general mood of support for Mr Blair with an opinion piece headlined simply "Thanks, friend".

The paper praises Mr Blair's "fervent and unwavering support" for the war on terror and the White House stance on Iraq, but adds that he is "fighting for his political life" in London.

"Since 9/11, he and George W Bush have put aside their political differences and stood as twin towers of strength."

The paper makes one comparison which is not likely to do Mr Blair many favours as he struggles to win over Labour doubters.

It says he is acting "in the spirit of Margaret Thatcher" as "a leader willing to speak truth in the face of international evil, regardless of the cost".