Mr. LEVERETT: I think that if you really go down the list of what are the major challenges for American foreign policy, a very significant percentage of them get tied up with this axis of oil.

NPR: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Axis of Oil

Of particular concern is the possibility that the enthusiasm "Lula" has declared for resuscitating Brazil's long-dormant nuclear program could put atomic weapons and ballistic missiles into the hands of this axis and its unsavory friends (for example, Chavez has established close ties with virtually every terrorist-sponsoring regime and several terrorist organizations, notably Colombia's FARC and the IRA).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Against Us

And this only two weeks after America struck a deal with North Korea, the other surviving member of the axis of evil, offering it aid even before it shuts down its nuclear programme, with the promise of much more, not to mention diplomatic recognition, if it continues to oblige.

ECONOMIST: George Bush now wants to talk to the axis of evil.