HONOLULU -- In a subtle but unmistakable signal, U.S. President George W. Bush has shoved the American confrontation with North Korea well down the list of Washington's priorities.

The president, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, suggested that is focus on Iraq -- obsession may not be a too strong a word -- has pushed his administration's quarrel with North Korea to the bottom of the radar screen.

Bush's language was as tough as ever: "The North Korean regime is using its nuclear program to incite fear and seek concessions. America and the world will not be blackmailed."