War is an almost incalcuable tragedy, on many different levels. Lack of foresight contributes immeasureably.

It strikes me that the Japanese tradition of falling on one's sword has much to recommend it.

"Before the invasion, then-White House budget director Mitch Daniels predicted Iraq would be "an affordable endeavor" and rejected an estimate by then-White House economic adviser Lawrence Lindsey of total Iraq war costs at $100 billion to $200 billion as "very, very high."

Up - and Rising