They have been running their own government in northern Iraq for nearly 12 years under American protection.

But Japanese officials said today that they did not seek any American protection.

"If they want American protection, let them charter real American ships," she said.

Sure, the Kuwaitis whispered, they wanted American protection - but with no hands.

The Arab nations cannot be controlled because of their reliance on American protection and commerce.

Iranian officials have warned, however, that they will continue their attacks regardless of the American protection.

The Saudi royal family wants American military protection but none of the complications that can come with it.

If Iraq succeeds in becoming a democracy under American protection, it will represent the triumph of hope over experience for both countries.

They would thus form the two poles of a future binomial partnership which would finally free our people from American protection.

Kuwait had sought American and Soviet protection for its oil fleet.