Bush urged the U.S. president Sunday to refrain from acting alone in trying to bring about a regime change in Iraq, saying this course of action is fraught with peril.

"Although the United States could certainly succeed, we should try our best not to have to go it alone, and the president should reject the advice of those who counsel doing so," former secretary of state James Baker wrote in an opinion piece published by the *** New York Times ***.

"The costs in all areas will be much greater, as will the political risks, both domestic and international, if we end up going it alone or with only one or two other countries," added Baker, a lawyer, who represented Bush in his legal dispute with Democrat Al Gore over the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.

Baker, who served in the 1989-93 administration of the president's father, George Bush, argued that the only realistic way to effect regime change in Iraq was through massive use of military force, including the occupation of Baghdad and installation of a successor government.

"Iraqi opposition groups are not strong enough to get the job done," he argued.

The former secretary of state warned such an operation would probably result in more casualties that the allies had during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and the United States would face the daunting task of occupying and administering a big and fractious country.

"The costs of doing so, politically, economically and in terms of casualties, could be great," Baker stressed. "They will be lessened if the president brings together an international coalition behind the effort."

According to the former secretary of state, the United States should seek a new UN Security Council resolution requiring Iraq to submit to intrusive inspections anytime, anywhere, with no exceptions and authorizing all necessary means to enforce it.

Baker rejected arguments by some current Bush administration officials, who insist that Iraq's refusal to allow UN weapons inspectors to return in violation of UN ceasefire resolutions was grounds enough for military action against Baghdad.

"Seeking new authorization now is necessary, politically and practically, and will help build international support," Baker pointed out.