The result, according to Julien Jalal Eddine Weiss, an expert on classical Arab and Sufi music, was like “using African bongos in a Mozart sonata”.

The meeting with Jalal Talabani was a late addition to President Bush's schedule, and was only announced on the eve of the session at the White House.

"We have seen advancements in women's rights... but what was agreed to and committed to has not been done," says Massouda Jalal, a former Minister of women's Affairs.