The United States and Russia are at odds over what to do next in the standoff with Iraq. But France, Great Britain, Germany and Sweden have expressed cautious support for the tough military stance advocated by the Clinton administration. After this background report, four experts debate how wise a military strike would be.

KWAME HOLMAN: Since last fall the Iraq government has refused to allow United Nations weapons inspectors access to what the government calls sensitive sites, which include several presidential compounds. The inspectors suspect the Iraqi government is hiding components of weapons of mass destruction at such sites and elsewhere. The Iraqi government continues to complain about the number of United States members on the inspection team. Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz asserts that in the past American and British inspectors did more spying than inspecting.

After meeting with Iraqi officials last week, the head of the U.N. inspection commission, Australian Amb. Richard Butler, told the U.N. Security Council he was running into more and more obstacles. In a New York Times interview Butler said Iraq was continuing its weapons programs and have enough anthrax and missiles to "blow away Tel Aviv, Israel." On Capitol Hill on Wednesday CIA Director George Tenet also said Iraq was hiding weapons of mass destruction.

GEORGE TENET: Iraq, under Saddam continues to present a serious threat to U.S. forces, interests, and allies. As my statement for the record points out in greater detail, we assess that Iraq continues to hide critical weapons of mass destruction equipment and material from U.N. inspectors. Continued U.N. sanctions can keep pressure on his regime and cast uncertainty over Saddam's hold on power.

KWAME HOLMAN: Iraq's government strongly denied that it has any capability to deploy chemical or biological weapons. At a news conference this week an Iraqi official criticized chief U.N. weapons inspector Butler.

IRAQI OFFICIAL: (speaking through interpreter) The allegations made by Butler are lies, cheap lies. He became an instigator, pouring oil on the American fire of threats. This is rejected, and I have sent a letter to the secretary general.

SPOKESMAN: Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States.

KWAME HOLMAN: During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Clinton issued a strongly worded warning to Saddam Hussein.

PRESIDENT CLINTON: Saddam Hussein has spent the better part of this decade and much of his nation's welfare not on providing for the Iraqi people but on developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. And when I say to him you have used weapons of mass destruction before, we are determined to deny you the capacity to use them again. (Applause)

KWAME HOLMAN: The next day the United States started a diplomatic full court press to inform U.S. allies about American resolve to court Iraq to comply with the inspections regime. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright flew first to France, where the government has been on record strongly opposing military action. But after meetings with Albright, French officials edged closer to the American view that diplomatic options are running out and military action might be necessary. The Russian government also has expressed strong opposition to military action by the United States and went on a diplomacy mission of its own this week. The Russians sent a representative to Baghdad to deliver a letter to Saddam Hussein from President Boris Yeltsin. This morning, Secretary Albright met with Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov in Madrid. They discussed both diplomatic and military options. Afterward, Albright spoke to reporters.

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, Secretary of State: I made clear to Foreign Minister Primakov our considered view that we have all but exhausted real diplomatic options and that the time is fast approaching for fundamental decisions. Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence that Iraq is negotiating for any reason, other than diversion and delay.

KWAME HOLMAN: Meanwhile, U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson was on his own world tour seeking support for the U.S. position. His 11-country trip stopped first in Stockholm, Sweden.

BILL RICHARDSON, U.N. Ambassador: We want to resolve this issue diplomatically. We want council immunity. But it's reached a point where diplomacy is being exhausted. And we believe that the use of military force may be necessary.

KWAME HOLMAN: To bolster the threat of force the United States and Britain have added to their military presence in the Gulf. There are now more than 300 aircraft on bases in Saudi Arabia and Turkey and aboard three aircraft carriers, as well as more ships armed with Cruise Missiles. In Congress, support for a U.S. strike appears strong, especially among Republicans.

REP. TRENT LOTT: And Let me make one thing perfectly clear tonight to Saddam Hussein or anyone else who needs to be told. Despite any current controversy, this Congress will vigorously support the President in full defense of America's interest throughout the world.

KWAME HOLMAN: Administration officials say ultimately they hope to achieve the unity of the first Gulf War coalition, but that the United States is prepared to act alone.