[G L Tirebiter]

As always, M.S. is a great read with analysis that's not found elsewhere. He doesn't simply rework and parrot the convential wisdom.

I think he's spot on regards Chirac and Blair. Blair has major exposure from the far left in Labour and they'd like nothing better than to push him off the train.

That's why I believe we (US) will make an effort at securing some sort of additional (18th) resolution regards Iraq over the next couple of weeks. It's to give Blair domestic cover.

Question is: How firm (or squishy) will Chirac be? Will he use the veto to scupper Tony and the U.N.?

[William McKinley]

I cannot believe I am defending Blair, but he has been stalwart throughout this whole ordeal, when it would have been remarkably easy for him personally to simply play politics.

I think he is wrong on many issues, but I give him credit for having his eyes open to the threats facing the world and the courage to act in a manner which will cause him political harm but just may save his nation's future.

[ggekko]

I predict that when push comes to shove the French will abstain and not veto. They have pulled this kind of maneuver before.

Tony Blair is betting the ranch on Iraq and we had better back him up and give the Brits a lion's share of the spoils after Hussein is gone.

The Bush team has been insensitve to the growing Franco-German threat in Europe to try set "Fortress Europe" and freeze us out. We need to become engaged in Europe and try to help our Continental allies steer the EU back to its original vision.