The Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, meets Tony Blair in London today as violence in Iraq reaches a new crescendo and senior Iraqi officials say the break up of the country is inevitable.

The British Foreign Office ministe Kim Howells yesterday stood by his criticisms of the 12-day bombardment of Lebanon with a warning that Israel had to win the “political battle” as well as confronting Hizbollah militarily.

“Thank you for your courage and steadfastness,” Rice said upon meeting Siniora, according to The Associated Press.