"It wouldn't be a novel observation to say it doesn't appear to be going to plan," Clark said, when she commented on the current war in Iraq at her post-cabinet press conference.

"From all accounts, the war gaming that went on beforehand anticipated less resistance.

"There's been more than was anticipated, so that's obviously stretched supply lines, made them more vulnerable and meant they're calling in a great many more troops."

She said one of her government's key concerns had been that the war would act as a catalyst for the recruitment of young, bitter, frustrated and angry people in the Middle East.

"That is of considerable concern," she said.

"Certainly the suicide bombing of the American troops is a new development, and I would think poses considerable difficulties for the occupation of Iraq because with suicide bombings, every civilian in effect becomes a suspected belligerent and you're dealing with quite a different circumstance.

"That is a worrying trend," Clark said.

"I think most people watching what's happening are simply appalled by the loss of life on both sides, appalled to think that a lot of young Americans and British aren't going home, and a lot of Iraqis are losing family members," Clark said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2003)