The controversial resolution on reconstructing Iraq has been passed by the United Nations Security Council unanimously.
Resolution 1511 creates a UN-authorized multinational force in Iraq under US leadership. It also calls on the 25-member Iraqi Governing Council to produce by December 15th a timetable for drafting a constitution and holding elections.
But that process could take several years and, crucially, there is no provision for setting a date for the transfer of power to Iraqis.
The text crafted by US Secretary of State Colin Powell has proved hugely problematic and has been revised five times since it was first floated in August.
The vote will be seen as triumph for Mr Powell - regarded as the dove of President George W Bush's administration - as it gained the support of the European troika of dissenters to US policy in Iraq.
He secured the support of France, Russia and Germany without giving in to their demand for a timeframe for the handing back of control of Iraq to its people while gaining much needed manpower for the expensive US-led occupation force.
Earlier, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder indicated the resolution would get the support of his country and the other main European dissenters Russia and France.
Mr Schroeder told a news conference the countries had agreed to vote for the US resolution because it showed some progress, and for the sake of Security Council unity.
But he added: "The progress in our view is still not an adequate response to the situation on the ground in Iraq, and on those grounds, we do not see ourselves in a position to play a military role there . . . or to make a further material contribution beyond what has already been agreed."
French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said his country was able to vote in favour because there was no commitment to "material or military aid".
French diplomats said France and Germany had agreed to train Iraqi police either in the country or in Europe, but declined to say how much they will commit financially to the programme.
US hopes of winning firm UN approval for its occupation of Iraq hung on the stance taken by the Europeans.
It was thought likely the Syrians would either abstain or vote against but in voting in favour they gave the US the extra fillip of a unanimous endorsement.
However, had the Europeans not voted in favour, the resolution would not have had the necessary force to bring the situation forward significantly.
Agencies