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.

Also troubling Mr Obama this week was the other surviving member of George Bush's axis of evil.

ECONOMIST: Obama, Iran and North Korea: Meeting thuggery with coolness | The