One of the first puzzles that new students of philosophy at Oxford University were posed by their tutors was to say what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? The answer, of course, is that the words are wrong. The definitions make no sense. If something is irresistible, then it can move any object. If something is immoveable, then the force can be resisted. But there appears to be a growing prospect of such a contradictory experiment being carried out over the skies of the Middle East in the five dangerous months that remain of the U.S. administration of George W. Bush.

Irans nuclear ambition is not only about national pride and confrontation with the West. First and foremost it is a race for power and influence between two generations and two competing trends within Iranian politics.

TEHRAN (AFP) Iran test-fired more weaponry on Thursday as it continued war games, ignoring global concern over its launch of a broadside of missiles amid efforts to end the crisis over its nuclear programme.

LONDON (AFP) The head of French energy giant Total said in an interview published Thursday that it is too politically risky to invest in Iran, dealing a serious blow to the Islamic republics key energy sector.

TBILISI (AFP) US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Thursday that Washington had beefed up its security presence in the Gulf and would not hesitate to defend Israel and other allies in the region.

AMMAN -- Iran continued to flex its military muscles by test-firing missiles and weapons for a second straight day Thursday, sending the message that it is capable of defending itself against any possible U.S. or Israeli attacks, in a move that has raised tension but could very well deter a confrontation.

TEHRAN (AFP) Iran test-fired more weapons on Thursday as it continued war games in defiance of global concern over its launch of a broadside of missiles in the midst of efforts to end the nuclear crisis.

LONDON (AFP) The chief executive of French energy giant Total said in an interview Wednesday that it is too politically risky to invest in Iran, dealing a serious blow to the Islamic republics key energy sector.

WASHINGTON (AFP) The United States has played down any prospects of war with Iran or any immediate dangers from its nuclear drive but warned that the world was ready to confront its "provocative" policies.

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2008 (AFP) The White House has downplayed differences with Iraq over the future of the US military mission, saying it still aims to reach agreement with Baghdad this month on the forces presence in the country.