[tictoc]

It sounds fanciful, to be sure. But the smartest people I know have been thoroughly astonished at recent French and German behavior. This theory may help understand what's going on.

An intriguing theory, to be sure.

For a possible alternative explanation (not necessarily mutually exclusive), see post #23 in this FreeRepublic thread.

[tictoc]

Let's ask the author. Mike, what do you think about the questions I raise here?

[GraniteStateConservative]

The argument there is that those who would replace Hussein would oppose economic ties to countries that supported Hussein. The problem is that it is substantially likely that had these countries gotten on board that the animosity would be dissipated. Yes, they have oil contracts and the like, but these countries know that Hussein will lose and they could easily shift to our side with little reprisal to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, we would guarantee that they would be treated fairly regardless of past ties with Hussein.

The interesting scenario is what does this alliance mean for the war with Iraq. If they cast lots with Iraq, it would be stupid to not aid Iraq against us wouldn't it? Why else bet against the odds other than you know something everyone else doesn't know? So, what do they know?