There was no mention of the "axis of evil" in U.S. President George W. Bush's final State of the Union address Monday night, although the president did made a point of singling out Iran and al-Qaida as continuing to threaten the advance of democracy in the Middle East.

But, said the president, the United States, "would not rest until this enemy has been defeated."

Not mincing his words Bush issued a stern warning to the leadership in Tehran, putting them on notice the United States would not stand idly by in view of Tehran's aggressive policy in the region.

A sizable portion of the presidential address was dedicated to foreign policy, of which the Middle East constituted a major component. The president stressed the importance of "confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world."

The president spoke of witnessing "stirring moments in the history of liberty." He spoke of images of liberty that have "inspired us," such as Iraqis voting in free elections for the first time. But, at the same time, the president spoke of "images that sobered us." He referred to "[passenger] trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs," a bride in a blood-stained dress at a wedding party in the Jordanian capital, and people carrying coffins in Lebanon.

Interestingly, Bush made no mention of Syria's role this time. In the past, he made no qualms of pointing a finger at Damascus and at Syria's President Bashar Assad, accusing him of interfering in Lebanon and in Iraq.

"If we are to resolve the Lebanese issue, engaging Syria is crucial," said Hiam Nawas, a political analyst based in Washington.

That would explain the sudden silent message aimed at Damascus.

But, said the president, the United States was engaged in the "defining struggle of the 21st century." And between two rounds of applause from a packed gallery Bush vowed to "deliver justice to our enemies."

The president spent a good time of his speech talking about the situation in Iraq where he said, "the terrorists and extremists are still fighting" and "the enemy is still dangerous." The big difference, said Bush, between last year and today is that last year al-Qaida's leader in Iraq was offering safe passage out to the Americans, whereas "today it is al-Qaida who is searching for safe passage." The president added: "Al-Qaida is on the run in Iraq and this enemy will be defeated."

Bush said that the United States was implementing a policy of "return on success," meaning that U.S. troops would be removed from Iraq gradually, based on the success in the fight against terrorists. Bush said that 20,000 U.S. troops were to come home in the months ahead, but, "any further drawback of our troops in Iraq will be based on conditions."

Bush painted a somewhat optimistic view of the situation in Iraq, saying that violence was down and the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, "are beginning to come together."

"Reconciliation is taking place and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future," said the president, who added that "the mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation," and predicted there would still be "tough fighting ahead."

'The future of liberty is possible," said Bush, but he cautioned that "a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists and strengthened Iran." Bush accused Tehran of interfering in Iraq, in Lebanon and in the Holy Land, where he accused the mullahs of supporting Hamas and undermining peace efforts. But, the president also made a point of stressing that the United States has no quarrel with the people of Iran.

Bush accused Iran of developing ballistic missiles with increasing range and of continuing to develop its uranium enrichment program with intent to produce nuclear weapons. Bush said, "the Iranian regime is there to oppose freedom in the Middle East." He said the "message to the leaders of Iran is clear," warning Tehran that "America will confront those of threaten our troops." He vowed that the United States would stand by its allies and friends in the Gulf.

Turning to the Arab-Israeli dispute, Bush said there was, "new cause of hope in the holy land." He said: "The time has come when a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine can live side by side in peace." Bush made no mention of last week's incidents in Gaza and said he remained hopeful to see the birth of a Palestinian state by the time he left office next January. Whether the Palestinians and Israelis share the American president's optimism remains to be seen.