In Brief

CIVIL WAR – Civil war is a more likely outcome in Iraq than democracy, Britain’s outgoing ambassador in Baghdad has warned British Prime Minister Tony Blair in a confidential memo.

William Patey, who left the Iraqi capital last week, also predicted the break-up of Iraq along ethnic lines. He did also say that “the position is not hopeless” – but said Iraq would remain “messy and difficult” for the next five to 10 years.The Foreign Office said it did not comment on leaked documents.However, it added: “Every day the capacity of the Iraqi security forces to manage their own security is growing.”BBC correspondent Paul Wood said although the document does not contradict government denials that civil war is imminent, “it is a devastating official assessment of the prospects for a peaceful Iraq, and stands in stark contrast to the public rhetoric”.* RAGING WATERS – Dozens of sailors were rescued from foundering vessels in Hong Kong water yesterday as Typhoon Prapiroon thundered past, bringing heavy rain and strong gales.Rescue helicopters from the former British colony winched 22 Chinese seamen to safety in the morning and in the afternoon rescued 28 men from another vessel struggling against high seas.* WHERE ART THOU – Speculation grew over Fidel Castro’s health following surgery as both the communist leader and his replacement and brother Raul Castro remain out of sight while security quietly tightens around the country.* NEW LEADER – The pro-Russian foe of Ukraine’s “orange revolution”, Viktor Yanukovych, was to be approved as prime minister after a four-month political crisis that has challenged the country’s pro-Western course.Nampa-Reuters AFPHe did also say that “the position is not hopeless” – but said Iraq would remain “messy and difficult” for the next five to 10 years.The Foreign Office said it did not comment on leaked documents.However, it added: “Every day the capacity of the Iraqi security forces to manage their own security is growing.”BBC correspondent Paul Wood said although the document does not contradict government denials that civil war is imminent, “it is a devastating official assessment of the prospects for a peaceful Iraq, and stands in stark contrast to the public rhetoric”. * RAGING WATERS – Dozens of sailors were rescued from foundering vessels in Hong Kong water yesterday as Typhoon Prapiroon thundered past, bringing heavy rain and strong gales.Rescue helicopters from the former British colony winched 22 Chinese seamen to safety in the morning and in the afternoon rescued 28 men from another vessel struggling against high seas.* WHERE ART THOU – Speculation grew over Fidel Castro’s health following surgery as both the communist leader and his replacement and brother Raul Castro remain out of sight while security quietly tightens around the country.* NEW LEADER – The pro-Russian foe of Ukraine’s “orange revolution”, Viktor Yanukovych, was to be approved as prime minister after a four-month political crisis that has challenged the country’s pro-Western course.Nampa-Reuters AFP