My first reaction to the administration putting off a briefing on Iran's involvement in Iraq ran along the lines of some other speculation - see Crittenden, Captain's Quarters, and Bill Roggio. But I think it's more than concern over the Iranian President, or our Congress and what to do about it.
The Bush administration has decided to put the briefing "on hold for several reasons, including concerns over the reaction from Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad — as well as inevitable follow-up questions that would be raised over what the U.S. should do about it," according to FOX News.
Several recent reports indicate Ahmadinejad is coming under pressure from the Ayatollahs at home for economic and diplomatic reasons. The Revolutionary Guard is his baby, so he probably has his fingers all over this inside Iran.
As I don't believe Bush has any intention of starting a war with Iran right now, this is likely a form of open diplomatic communication to Iran's Supreme Leader. What are you going to about Ahmadinejad, now that we have his number?
The Saudis have started making noise about elevating Oil prices, again - a must have for Iran, given that their budget surplus is gone due to recent low prices driven by OPEC's increased production.
The Saudis are holding out a carrot and Bush is holding a stick. The next move may belong to the religious leadership above Ahmadinejad in Iran. Bush doesn't want war with Iran but this information isn't being leaked out for nothing. How it may influence events in Iran is the only rationale that makes sense for bringing it up at all.
Gateway Pundit points out that Kerry is still on the front page in Iran. He should be proud.
Hanoi John's head would be on a stick in Boston if the people of Ma had any ba**s. Looking at K & K, a drunken traitor and a traitor, I wonder how they manage to have children. Maybe they hire men from a neighboring state to take care of the task.
Posted by: Scrapiron | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 02:22 AM
The mullahs have stated that they have, in writing, communiques with "very important people in high places in the U.S." that they are willing to make public. Everytime a senator or rep pokes his/her head up and states they will "stop the president from doing anything at anytime to Iran", it makes me wonder if this is not a chess game but a game of blackmail.
Posted by: Judith | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 05:54 AM
You 28% sheep should continue to focus on Kerry. It makes for great entertainment. While you're at it, draft that Scientologist governor as the GOP nominee - should also be funny.
Posted by: Carl | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 07:55 AM
I resent that. I'm at least 53% sheep.
Posted by: S. Weasel | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:32 AM
You idiots are still treating Fox News as a trustworthy source?
Maybe you'd like to supplement your reading with this equally reliable outlet: http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm
The stories might not grab you, but I think the style and tone will make you feel right at home.
Posted by: sglover | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Around here, they’re starting to drop like sickened flies, as the fetid stench of false pulchritude and blatant nepotism play out their last retarded act to a crowd that is visibly beginning to thin and throw licorice candies at the stage. The evil white poodle of doom continues to loiter in the parking lot of our discontent. Some say his name is Yorick, to which I slyly reply, “Ah, Yorick! I knew him Horatio! Many was the time he bore (and bored) me on his lumpen and flea-ridden back!” which totally confuses everybody. But I have bigger lunkers to skin and fry. The dull now sharpened arrow of pain and despair, waylaid and delivered at the end of the random female bumper weighs heavily upon my stress level and systolic blood pressure as the ominous clouds of elective back surgery are no longer a distant fuzzy specter but a menacing boogey man, passing the kidney stone of corporeal dread until all hope for simple resolution gives up the ghost and faces the dreaded noise of certain permanent malfunction in regards to a continuing subsistence without twinge or tweak of physical trepidation.
Posted by: Carl Gordon | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I resent that. I'm at least 53% sheep.
Posted by: S. Weasel
LOL....That made me laugh.
Posted by: Tom | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 02:59 PM
A few weeks ago on another Conservative blog just like this one, I came across an ardent Right Wing supporter of Bush and his Iraq policies.
She asked me ... Ok Mr. wise guy what would you do to win in Iraq then?
I answered by telling her that what is required now to "win" will not under any sircunstances be accepted by the American people. I pointed out that we would need to send at least 500,000 troops (like in the Gulf War), expand the coalition, live the troops in Iraq for at least 10 years, confront Iran, and confront Syria. All these was needed, and since it was not going to happen then there was no way we could "win" in Iraq period.
Her answer was immediate and angry..... Confronting Iran!!! Are you nuts, she said - That will inflame the entire region and will create a Regional war, and destroy the Western Economies to boot. That's not a plan that's a suicide pact with the Iranian Leader she said.
She was correct, and I was just answering her question of what is needed now to actually "win" ....... What can I say.
But now it turns out that apparently the Napoleon Wanna Be-- Mr. Bush is actually seriously contemplating just such an action!!! Poor little Right Wing lady, little did she know I was not the nut, but the very man she was so valiantly defending that day all these weeks ago.
Posted by: gil | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 09:56 PM