THE attempt by al Qaida to create divisions in the trans-Atlantic coalition has been swiftly dismissed by European nations with the contempt it deserves.

If - as seems likely - it is Osama bin Laden speaking on a tape recording released yesterday, his words underline a significant change in strategy by the terror organisation.

Bin Laden is seeking to move on from the "fatwa" issued in 1998, calling for all "crusaders" to be killed, and instead wants to draw a distinction between Americans and Europeans.

His message is that Europeans will be spared from terrorist atrocities if they withdraw their support for American activity in Iraq.

The truth, of course, is that the coalition has to stand firm in the war against terror even though European leaders are not comfortable with the tactics of the Bush administration.

Bin Laden is the face of a murderous operation intent on spreading fear across the world and terrorist attacks will remain a tragic part of life in both America and Europe regardless of what happens in Iraq.

That said, what has happened over the past year in Iraq has clearly intensified the terrorist threat and European leaders must play a full part in ensuring that American arrogance does not risk losing the peace.

As Tony Blair prepares to meet George Bush, the British Prime Minister must carry that message forward: We stand shoulder to shoulder with America in the fight against terrorism - but diplomacy, not aggression, is the way forward now.

The words of Osama bin Laden must be ignored but George Bush must listen to the voices of concern from his friends across the Atlantic.