Joe is of the same fuzzy left, multiculturalism inspired school of thought as Mr. Crouton [intentional misspelling] --- I would not exactly call Joe "conservative" besides the party name. <yawn>

One new parallel between US & Iraq and WWII.German minister of Justice claims that "Bush uses Hitler's methods against Iraq.... it is not the oil, but lack of his popularity which causes such an aggressive position..."I've heard it by radio, can anybody pls give a link to full text ?

i haven't got the german but the times had this to sayhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-421542,00.html

I don't think a "Hitler" smear makes a WWII comparison. I believe that the talk of US attack by Bush is more calculated to bolster his political standing than make the world a better place. But this has been true of many leaders at many times. Saying it makes him like Hitler is like criticising a bad painter or overbearing small person as "another Hitler."

Where are u people from? He's had over a 70% approval rating for over a year now(way before Iraq was in the headlines).

I am interested to know if anyone in this forum is convinced that Iraq meets the classic intelligence criteria of a verified threat - i.e. having BOTH capability and intent. IMHO, it seems the case for the former is reasonably solid but the case for the latter is still wanting - but could possibly be fulfilled as a consequence of any unsuccessful effort by the U.S. and its allies. Comments? Re: Hamilton's question "Does anyone wish to reconsider their own predictions at this time?" I will stick with my "no war" prediction.

For anyone that hasn't yet seen it, here's the executive summary of the famous "Iraq Dossier". There's a link to the full paper at the bottom of the executive summary.

QuoteOriginally posted by: BillGWhere are u people from? He's had over a 70% approval rating for over a year now(way before Iraq was in the headlines).Before September 11, Bush's approval ratings spent most of his candidacy in the 50s, with a brief peak at 62% in late April 2001. After September 11, the ratings soared to an all-time high for any President (going back to Franklin Roosevelt) of 92%. But it has slipped steadily since then, falling under 70% in July and 65% today.I think Bush believes that he is in trouble over the economy and corporate scandals. His legislative accomplishments other than terrorism (education, tax cut), were all in his first year, and didn't do him any good. His stance on the environment has been a problem. He has not impressed people with his appointments, his speeches, his intelligence or his sincerity.Without a foreign enemy, he is in political difficulties. I'm not saying Republicans will face a mid-term election disaster, or that Bush has no chance of getting a second term, but keeping Iraq in the news helps his popularity. My guess is he will continue to beat the drums until the Congressional elections, then declare some sort of victory, and hope for better legislative results and an economic upturn.