Kings and tyrants throughout history have had to come to grips with the ugly truth that military adventures cost a big bunch of dough.

Many a country's treasury has been banrupted to feed military machinery (like North Korea, for instance).

In most cases the people had no voice, could apply no pressure'

All they supplied was the blood.

Iraq's future will soon be in the hands of those who hold the pursestrings.

So, the questions today should be "who will now, in fact, hold the pursestrings.

And, from where will the pressure come to spend wisely or stupidly?

The answer to that will determine whether yestersay was a good day or bad day for OBL.

How would you feel if oil companies were forced to hire mercenaries to replace departing americans?

They certainly wouldn't like that notion, would they?

My take on yesterday's transfer of power is that famous line "follow the money".

As I recall, If U.S. airlines had had the same level of security as ELAL, none of this would be going on, but that would have cost, what, a few mill?