[Scott from the Left Coast]

Yes, it was substantive, but I got a bit of different take on the substance: We are a minimum of two weeks from any hostilities in Iraq, and probably we are further than that from it -- which does bring the interesting aspect of the April weather (sandstorms and somewhat increased heat, mostly the sandstorms). Those will be in play.

The other bit of substance is that he definitely "put the brakes" on this talk of "inevitable war". He was extremely careful to always couch his war terms as "if necessary". He could be signaling someone somewhere or he could simply be playing the reluctant warrior. But clearly, in his mind, the possibility of not going to war is still there (either that or he's lying to the people through the press, which I don't think he does).

Yes, much substance. But not substance toward action, substance toward the current diplomatic process continuing on for at least some more weeks.

All in all, I think he was thrown off-stride by what occurred in Turkey and maybe by the virulence of Franco-German-Russian (and pip-squeak) resistance. I think he thought he'd have U.N. backing by now. Thus, I think, he's regrouping to have another go at the diplomatic process.

[Alberta's Child]

See my post #1322.

The other bombshell I learned yesterday is that France and Germany are actually 100% behind the U.S. on this one. Try that one on for size.

[cajungirl]

People are so impatient with the diplomacy, obviously it isn't working. I think it is incredibly valuable,,we know the UN now better than ever, we know the French, we know the Germans. The new world powers are making new alliances for the first time since the Wall fell. We are watching the end of the cold war and the formation of structures and alliances to be made for the next fifty years. The world is reshuffling as we watch,,that is huge.

[RobRoy]

I may be wrong, but what better way to screw your opponent than to say, convincingly, "we're going to attack you, not today, but as soon as a week from now," and then attack them tomorrow.

It may be my wishful thinking, I admit.