When military officers show themselves to be callous warmongers, and neocon military adventurism looks untenable, certain comfortable assumptions are reaffirmed.

and also, honest suspicions and concerns are aroused as well. But this discussion is all about ideology wars it seems, even though you include a 'sweetener' (caveat) acknowledging the presence of reasonable bystanders ..

The US is more ideology-crazed than ever it seems .. er, wasn't Russia a bit like that in the 19th century (admittedly more extreme and diverse)? You guys should take stock IMveryHO .. one civil war is more than enough ..