==George W. Bush's "Axis of Evil"==
In a speech on January 29, 2002, George W. Bush referred to Iraq, Iran, and North Korea an "axis of evil," using, as the New York Times noted, "a word once used to describe the alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II."<ref>Sanger, David E (2002), "Bush, Focussing on Terrorism, says Secure U.S. is Top Priority"; ''The New York Times,'' January 30, 2002, p. A1</ref> However, Iraq, Iran and North Korea were not allies; in fact at the time of his speech Iraq and Iran's governments were in bitter opposition to each otheropponents.
Europeans objected to the speech as having a combative tone, and apparently threatening the three nations Bush named.<ref>Daley, Suzanne (200), "The Allies," January 31, 2002, p. A12</ref>. Bush aides insisted, however, that Bush "was not suggesting imminent military activity" against any of the countries.<ref>Sanger, David E. "Bush Aides Say Tough Tone Put Foes on Notice" January 31, 2002, p. A1</ref>