An Iraqi war might thus put America back into its unilateralist box, which would not help it in the wider war against terror, and might complicate several of its other foreign-policy objectives, such as winning Russian co-operation for missile defences.

ECONOMIST: Dealing with Iraq

David Pratt, the new defence minister, is an advocate of closer military co-operation, and of Canadian participation in missile-defence research.

ECONOMIST: Canada's new government

Late last year Japan agreed to open its doors a crack to send missile components to the U.S. as part of a co-development project.

FORBES: Japan Weapons, Inc.

That's when researchers at Rocket Chemical Co. were trying to develop a petroleum-based substance to protect missile skins from moisture.

FORBES: Greasy Coca-Cola

Very little has changed since the early 1950s, when researchers at Rocket Chemical Co. were trying to develop a petroleum-based substance to protect missile skins from moisture.

FORBES: Johnny One-note

The Russians have been more co-operative over recent months - for example, cancelling the sale to Iran of an anti-missile system that fell foul of UN sanctions which the Russians themselves supported.

BBC: Obama's world image tarnished - but policies will remain