[angkor]

but HOW we present it is important to placate our "Muslim allies" where we need bases.

Well, yes, I'd agree with that.

I'd love to know what is being said in backdoor diplomacy efforts with the Saudis, Pakistanis, etc.

Some of the Arabic commentators appear to understand the strategic implications of removing Saddam (e.g., "It will destablize the entire region."). I would suspect their governments do as well. And, in my view, that's exactly what we intend to happen. Very specifically, to intimidate the Saudis and the Pakistanis to stop supporting Islamism, and to inspire Iranians to overthrow their hated mullah government.

But you can't really say those things to "our Muslim allies."

So I wonder what our diplomats are saying.

[Mr. Mojo]

Yep, I think it's dawned on the Islamists that once Saddam goes, the domino effect could mess us all their plans. Iran and Saudi Arabia could then experience nasty revolutions, although they'd be the exact opposite in character.

[LS]

You are EXACTLY right. The UN was all about giving cover to ALL our allies who do NOT have the guts to do what is needed, even if we do. But I still would doubt that we could mount the kind of operation we need to vs. Iraq based solely from aircraft carriers. Certainly our military doesn't think so, or we wouldn't be shipping 150,000 men over there.