[arthurus]

In the East, especially in the fevered diplomacy and accompanying preparations for war, nothing is as it seems. How do we know Abdulla isn't blustering and threatening on the outside and with coordination with W and at the ranch saying hey what must I do to survive? Wars are more cheaply won by show and misdirection than by just marching your army up to the city wall.

[Leto]

RE #16, you are correct misdirection is essential in war. Clearly most pundits have never read Sun Tzu or Clauzwitz. They value spinning and appearance over results.