I would disagree with you re Blair. While I'm not a total fan of all he's said and done, in the long run, he recognized what was necessary, and stepped up to the plate, against probably the wishes of 90%+ of the Labour party, and supported us in the War in Iraq. I think that Blair has, like Bush, a vision of what must be done to save western civilization, and that also explains why he has decided to remain in office, thwarting attempts to get him to step down. Why?..Iran. Look, the clock is ticking..Bush knows that Iran' nuclear ambitions MUST be stopped before he leaves office. The Israelis know it also...they can't do it alone, without US support..well, they could, but it would be much more difficult..and Blair will I expect, support the action and contribute forces..
So count back with me...Any military action against Iran MUST be concluded several months before the 2008 election..thus you're looking at late spring, early summer 2007 as the latest possible date. So let's say May/June 2007. You'll need several months to position forces, especially naval, to deal with possible Iranian attempts to disrupt the Straits of Hormuz...So the final decision must be made late in 2007..
Aircraft carriers already moving into place in the middle east.
You had to have seen David Gergin wetting his pants over the president's mere suggestion that Iran and Syria best knock it off.
Oh my, the President threatened them. Oh my, the sky is falling.
If it wasn't so serious it would have been hilarious.