<P>This week, 'Joan' won the prestigious Loebner prize for being the world's most highly evolved artificial intelligence. So, thought Stephen Moss, who better to ask about the most pressing affairs of the day?

<P>Joan: Hellooooo.

<P>SM: Hello, Joan. Should the United Nations impose sanctions on Iran to force it to end its nuclear programme?

<P>Joan: The US must do what is necessary to protect the UK.

<P>SM: Where do you stand on the Iraq war?

<P>Joan: I prefer to sit when dealing with such questions.

<P><I>The Guardian Article: </I><A HREF="http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1879142,00.html" TARGET=_New CLASS=ph>http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1879142,00.html</A>

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