On planning

A reader points out this essay at Global Research, which lists a significant military buildup in the Middle East and suggests that an attack on Iran may be imminent within the next couple of weeks.

Some of the piece undoubtedly needs to be taken with a grain of salt, particularly its willingness to pretend Iran's leaders are any less bellicose or more credible than Bush and company. And in the bigger picture I'd have a hard time seeing how there's enough public support for the U.S. to launch another war, particularly with the administration discredited as thoroughly as it has been over Iraq.

But it's still worth noting the actions being taken by both the U.S. and Canada which could only be explained by at least some plan for war - and keeping the background in mind if the U.S. does seek to ramp up tensions in the short term.