An important factor in such attack could be the role of the northern Kurds, who have the only fighting force on the ground among possible opposition players.

But they view the latest developments with anxiety.

The Kurds are caught between the threat of an attack by the Iraqi troops if they decide to co-operate, and the risk of losing US protection if they remain on the sidelines.

The Prime MInister of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Government (PUK) Dr Barham Salih said: "The political scene in the region is about to undergo major changes. Sooner or later, these changes will affect our area.

"It is vital that we prepare ourselves and seize this opportunity to secure a future for our people."

Iraqi Kurds

They have been in control of their area since 1991 The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) share power They enjoy Western protection since the establishment of the UN safe haven

Fearing reprisals from Baghdad in the event of an unsuccessful US attack on Iraq, the Kurds seem to be wary about co-operating with Washington.

Mas'ud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) which shares power with the PUK, said: "We will not take part in any plan to change the regime unless our rights are taken into consideration."

Since 11 September, Iraqi Kurds and Baghdad have expressed opposing positions. Iraq is one of the few countries that has not condemned the attack nor expressed support for the "war on terrorism".

Critical decision

On the other hand, the Kurds in the north have extended sympathy for victims of the attack and expressed support for the US-led response.

If the US decides to attack Iraq, the Kurds will be faced with a critical decision.

So far the Kurds have not ruled out the possibility of talks with Baghdad.

Leading PUK figure Adel Murad told BBC News Online that dialogue between the Kurds and Baghdad is possible if it is conducted "on the basis of democracy and federalism for Iraq and an end to ethnic cleansing in the Baghdad-held Kurdish areas".

But the Kurdish terms of dialogue are unlikely to conform with the Iraqi president's - he has said that no-one can stop him from going to the Kurdish cities.

Dr Mahmoud Osman, an independent Kurdish politician, said: "The Kurds will have to be very careful not to become once more a victim of regional and international deals."