[peteram]

BBC Diplomatic Correspondent Jonathan Marcus says the raid could signal a ratcheting-up of pressure on the Iranians, in line with the rhetorical thrust of his speech.

Um, hey Johnny - it's only rhetoric when the person doesn't act upon his words. GWB did.

[r9etb]

in line with the rhetorical thrust of his speech. ... Um, hey Johnny - it's only rhetoric when the person doesn't act upon his words. GWB did.

His choice of words is appropriate and accurate, actually. Rhetoric is what one practices when making a speech.

The sentence you quote can be restated as "Bush appears to be doing what he said he'd do."