Yes, indeed, a great analysis. I think the situationis even bleaker than we can know.

In Iraq there isn't much hope.

In the US, politics may change when President Wolfowitz attempts to re-introduce the Draft.

Juan Cole's testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee presents a view which isn't quite as foreclosed. Not pretty, and with options more limited than they were before, but not inevitably catastrophic.

Like Bilmon, I don't like Kerry. I don't think that he can stop the rush to Armegedon but at least he knows he is but a mortal man and not someone who really should be in an institution rather than the WH.

One phrase from Billmon sticks in my mind: "a president who believes he's God's vice-[regent] on Earth."

Is there any reporter with White House access who might have the nerve to ask Bush the question:

"Some journalists have the impression, from your foreign policy statements, that you see yourself as God's vice-regent Earth. Do you think there's a possibility that World Leaders and ordinary citizens in other parts of the world might also have formed that impression and be offended (or frightened) by it?"

Of all the things one might say to Bush, this strikes me as one that might actually penetrate his defenses and get him thinking.

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

If a million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.