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Actually, I think Bush's Machiavellian brilliance may be even deeper than suspected. By okaying the Sharon invasion of the West Bank, which has brought Jewish liberals into lockstep with Christian advocates of war on the general muslim world, he has effectively silenced the only contemplated resistance to a wider campaign against Iraq - and now Iran.

Although an avoided future is hard to see, what Bush may have been worried about is the typical resistance from the Left of any type of war anywhere, for whatever reason. A powerful element of the American Left are (were?) American Jews. But when it comes to the issue of Israel, the "Bella Abzug Syndrome" applies. Bella Abzug, a New York liberal jewish congresswoman, was accused by the GOP many years ago of voting to transfer to Israel all kinds of weapons that she voted against building in the first place.

Now that Bush has supported Israel in its war on the Palestinian people, it would hardly be reasonable for this powerful lobby to begrudge this American President a military campaign against Iraq and Iran, conducted for American interests.....would it?

Actually, I think Bush's Machiavellian brilliance may be even deeper than suspected. By okaying the Sharon invasion of the West Bank, which has brought Jewish liberals into lockstep with Christian advocates of war on the general muslim world, he has effectively silenced the only contemplated resistance to a wider campaign against Iraq - and now Iran.

You may have a point. I think GWB is acting from conviction, however by taking, in his actions, a pro-Israel stance, he may have co-opted much of the opposition to a later move against Iraq. The anti-war, pro-arab and solid dem factions aren't going to support him under any circumstances anyway.

MSNBC's Joe John's was gleefully waving this editorial around as proof that GW doesn't know what he is doing. Maybe he received a different editorial, as I think this one is pretty complimentary. By getting the Israelis to agree to release Arafat, Bush has out maneuvered Arafat. I heard awhile ago, that Arafat is balking at leaving. Arafat was safe, as long as he was being "held captive". Now that he is free-he's going to have to watch his back constantly-and I think his biggest threat will be from his own cadre. No matter which course of action Arafat takes, it's going to infuriate some segment and that segment will want his head. More bombings-the Israelis snatch him and he joins Jimmy Hoffa. If he arrests his fellow PLO and makes more agreements with Israel,his days will also be numbered. Arafat has no options left,his best shot was to remain in his compound as a martyr. Bush has just shown Arafat the door and it leads to the gates of Hell.