But it would be hard to keep any conflict with Iran contained and many think, apart from the actual rights and wrongs, it would bring huge uncertainty and destabilise the already shaky world economy.

BBC: Obama steers cautiously on Iran

That is aimed at meeting the high court's written conflict of interest standards, contained in a statement signed by Justice Scalia and six other justices who have spouses, children or other close relatives who are lawyers.

CNN: Justices Scalia, left and Thomas

But the nub of the transatlantic conflict over Iraq is a belief in much of Continental Europe that Saddam Hussein can be contained by diplomatic and economic measures, and that in any case replacing him is unlikely to improve matters.

FORBES: Sidelines