Oh, Cato...

You are looking only on the surface and see test flights reported and interpreted by media pundits.

To think US unilateral action against Saddam would ignite WWIII is an exercise in unreality. What nations would rise up to oppose the the US in military action? Unless you have current information about China suddenly switching to Islam this would be a non-issue.

Be aware of the reality of politics in the portion of the world that is not media dominated. The Japanese define this reality as tatemae-honne.

Tatemae-honne is putting a public face forward while real motivations and decisions are made. In much of the world it is essential to project a tadashi imeeji (correct image) up to the point you have a done deal.

Please don't think the Saudi's went to Texas for a tea party. The face put on the confrontation has to make the royals look both strong and firm. The honne is strickly private and defined the terms under which the US can direct their strike from Saudi soil against Saddam.

Ya just can't believe everything you read in the paper...keep in mind it might have been written by someone with his head in a bottle.

Publius