Very persuasive, well argued, T. Does not having UN consensus to launch operations against Iraq mean that there would be no allies in such an operation? If it came down to it, I believe the Bush apparatus would be able to solicit some support from some nations. The bulk of the mouth of the Persian Gulf belongs to Kuwait, for example, from Al Faw down to Ras al Khafiji, roughly. Israel is just over Jordan, poetically enough, from the whole northwestern border. The whole eastern end of the Med is available for flight deck operations. So I think there would be alternatives.

That said, please recognize that my parody of "In the Jailhouse Now" was, indeed, a parody, and not a rallying cry. Surely if Mister Bush can blithely pretend to ready up for war, I can pretend to make fun of him for it.

Your reference to the lessons offered at the Global exercise (I think that's the one) by USMC Col acting as CINC of OPFOR is really highly relevant. He made it plain that it will be the unexpected that forces deployed there will have to deal with.

But let us hope that the U.S. does not have to abide by W's rhetoric.

A

The words you put in my mouth were that I was totally convinced there willb e a war in Iraq. Like you, but perhaps for different reasons, I prefer to believe there will not be. But I believe there could be, and it would have some very ugly consequences.