Here's how I heard the "news" regarding the Israeli airstrike on some target in Syria.

1. Israeli intelligence gets wind of a "nuclear facility" being built in Syria with the aid of North Korea and bombs SOMETHING.

2. Israel, Syria, the US and the greater Middle East have "no comment" when the alleged bombing occurred.

I just came back from a discussion on Iran and US Foreign Policy with Scott Ritter and former US Diplomat Edward Peck, hosted by Cleveland Peace Action at Trinity Cathedral in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. After some brief introductory words, Scott Ritter gave a 20-minute presentation about the looming US military action against Iran.

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The Neocons are out in force again, pushing hard for America to attack Iran. About that there is no doubt. But many do seem to doubt that the neocons can get away with it this time, given their current sponsored disaster in Iraq. I was blogging recently on another site where someone threw out the question, “Where would they find the money to pay for another war?” which led me on a journey that brought me to this blog.

Considering the forum, I feel compelled to start by saying I am Clark's biggest fan. No, really. That said, brace yourself for a little sacrilege:

Here's my long account of the evening...also posted at Kos if anyone wants to give it some love there....

I was fortunate enough to see Wes Clark interviewed by Amy Goodman at the 92nd St Y in NYC last night. He was, as usual, wonderful, knowledgeable and brutally honest.

In his latest article in the New Yorker, veteran reporter Seymour Hersch explores the complex geopolitical calculus in the Middle East.  The article is long and deep, and I had to read it twice to follow Hersch's underlying narrative.  That narrative might be summarized as:  the Bush Administration's new strategy in the Middle East is to use Iran, and the Shi'a, as a convenient foil.  If true, this marks the advent of a third phase in the U.S.

Some quasi-random musings on a Tuesday afternoon:

Wes Clark on AIPAC -- Wes spoke truthfully about the influence of AIPAC in political campaigning.  And yes, there are many in Israel who are pushing hard for a strike on Iran.  Whether that's a case of them wagging us or vice-versa is an open question.  For years, we've leaned on the Israelis to adopt a more moderate attitude toward the Sunni, most particularly the Saudis, who have maintained the petrodollar monopoly and thus allowed the U.S. to impose worldwide seigniorage.