Baghdad, Iraq ? A day after accepting a tough new U.N. resolution, Iraq on Thursday predicted more trouble with the United States as it prepares to receive the first weapons inspectors in nearly four years.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, meanwhile, combined a renewed threat of force with an assurance to the Iraqi people that they would be richer if Saddam Hussein was gone.

Babil newspaper, owned by Saddam’s son Odai, called on Iraq’s traditional Security Council allies ” Russia, France and China ” to remain vigilant about America’s true intentions.

“Our problem and crisis with the United States is not over yet and may have just begun,” the influential newspaper said in a front-page editorial.

Blair, America’s staunchest ally, broadcast a message into Iraq saying “The standard of living and prosperity of the Iraqi people would be infinitely greater were Saddam not there.”

The prime minister hoped his message would reach Saddam, the Iraqi people “and the wider Arab world,” his spokesman said in London. It was broadcast Thursday by the Arabic service of Radio Monte Carlo ” the most popular shortwave station reaching Iraq.

“One of the reasons I wanted to speak to you today is to communicate with people directly, because what happens in a situation like this is that there are myths that grow up,” Blair said. “I have just dealt with one myth, that this is about Christians versus Muslims ” it isn’t ” or is about the West versus the Arab world, or it’s about oil.”

Blair said Saddam’s regime was “brutal and oppressive,” and if he didn’t disarm, “the weapons will be disarmed by force.”

On the streets of Baghdad, however, ordinary Iraqis expressed concern the Americans were bent on a military showdown regardless of whether their government cooperated with the U.N. inspectors.

“We are happy that the crisis has been defused for the time being, but I think the war is inevitable,” said Salah Ali, a 44-year-old bookstore owner.

President Bush has warned the United States will show “zero tolerance” of any Iraqi obstruction and has threatened war if Baghdad fails to comply with the resolution.

Iraq insists it no longer possesses any banned weapons.