So many apologists for Iraq blamed the intel. Which has never been fair - everyone thought Saddam had CBW, but only the neocons thought that was a reason to invade.

This time, the IC made it perfectly plain to that fat bastard what was likely to happen - and not happen. But he knew better. He ordered the attack anyway.

So, we have jammed our hand once again into a Mideast hornet's nest, and there is no good way out. Brilliant tactical success in the opening stages...and now what.

We are in the beginning stages of a worldwide economic slowdown. Only an immediate end to this madness - and cooperation from Iran, which there is no reason for them to do - can prevent it. And even then, the damage will last.