She has also offered to draw up a joint submission with the UK government in an effort to clarify the issue - although that has been rejected by Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, who said it was up to SNP ministers to set out detailed independence plans.

BBC: Scottish independence: SNP Euro meeting call rebuffed

As if to stress that it is stronger than ever, British government sources say a new joint US-UK National Security Strategy Board is to be set up headed by Sir Peter Ricketts, the prime minister's national security adviser and Tom Donilon, his White House counterpart.

BBC: Obama has fun in Ireland

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said a joint Iraqi-U.S. commission was set up after the shootings, and Iraqis told U.S. officials that the rules of engagement and use of force must be changed.

CNN: Iraqi official: Blackwater staying on 'is bad news'