One thing stands out is Israel's silence during this debate. Perhaps they know more than anyone what threat Iraq holds over the region and Israel in particular. Perhaps it is through their 'intelligence' that USA has been galvinised into action. As shown in the Gulf War, Israel is the first target of Saddam, the scuds fired at Tel Aviv were politically motivated to draw Israel into the conflict. This was calculated to ignite Arab-Israeli tensions in the Middle East, potentially the start of a Holy War. Make no mistake, this prophetic showdown is all about oil, and in no small part the failings of a self interested US foreign policy. But it is also the inevitable conclusion to what has become a worldwide clash of cultures. The lines have been drawn between a corrupt, decaying western capitalistic system hiding behind christian democratic principles and corrupt, decaying fundamentalist regimes hiding behind the principles of the Koran.
Get ready folks, we can argue all we like about the rights and wrongs of it all, but as sure as God made little green apples we are going down this road. It's as if the world is being drawn into this horrendous climax and everything else is of little consequence. The world has changed but stays the same. Hug your children and your parents, be kind to your dog.
It may not happen overnight, but it will happen...
