Speculations

Jalal Ghazi examines the apparently widespread (outside the US) rumor that the fall of Baghdad, and indeed Iraq in general, was a "safqua," Arabic for a secret deal, brokered by Saudi Prince Abdullah between Washington and the Ba'athists. A conceivable scenario, but obviously only one of several. Still, it would explain why so much of the Iraqi military was neither captured nor killed, but essentially vanished.

Speaking of vanishing Iraqis, I am really going to miss Information Minister Mohammad Said al-Sahhaf. Every government should have a version of this guy. The laughs just don't come as easily without him around, so we'll make do with Ron Reagan Jr. waxing diplomatic that "my father crapped bigger ones than George Bush." Guess he'll be joining Helen Thomas, Canada, and the Dixie Chicks on the enemies list.

The Guardian claims to know that Bush has vetoed Pentagon plans for invading Syria. Perhaps, though there is certainly a contingent there that's just itching to do it, and vetoed for now is likely more correct. Especially since wedging several hundred thousand troops between Syria and Iran (possibly amid a chaotic Iraqi civil war) greatly increases the chances of unplanned conflicts with both. No matter which side eventually wins the argument, they likely want to stop for a while and reload. Keep your eyes on the Perpetual War Portfolio - now would be the time to start buying.