Some of the US's strongest supporters in the war in Iraq are calling for a more conciliatory attitude from Washington in the wake of George W. Bush's re-election, as well as for a more accommodating approach by the European Union.

The UK, Poland and Denmark, which have all sent troops to Iraq, have signalled their belief that the US has to take a more consensual approach in its dealings with its traditional allies in Europe. But they also want countries such as France and Germany, the main anti-war states within the EU, to help heal the relationship by contributing more to Iraq's reconstruction.