And finally, Iran will continue to pursue its nuclear program while the world continues to “babble.” If American and European actions continue in the current pace and quality, there will be no change in the Iranian nuclearization path. Instead of allotting several months for diplomatic activity and preparing for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the world continues to talk nonsense and play with illusions regarding the success of moderating diplomatic moves.

This is the leadership of the “new” PUK, an organisation in which the only way to progress is to be either a blood relative of Jalal Talabani, to marry into Jalal Talabani’s family or to work for their interests.

Please note that this list is not in any way exhaustive and is based on the authors own knowledge. There maybe many more family members in the PUK leadership of which I have no knowledge.

Washington will be watching closely for any concrete measures or policies that develop - chief among them, any sign of Venezuela pursuing its own nuclear programme in conjunction with Iran.

That would be unacceptable to Washington and would turn what are now uneasy relations between the two states into something much more serious, our correspondent says.

Mr Bush’s revised plan was condemned by Democrats and some Republicans as a dangerous escalation of the conflict.

The president’s comments came as the US Secretary of State held talks in Israel at the start of a Middle East tour.

The BBC’s Katya Adler, in Jerusalem, says Condoleezza Rice’s tour is aimed at winning Arab support for President Bush’s new strategy in Iraq.

Azerbaijani officials could not be reached for comment about HALO’s activities in Karabakh. HALO Trust does not operate in Azerbaijan; mine clearance there is handled by the state-run Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action.