[Iris7]

Myself I find Ariel Sharon a world class strategist and have full confidence in his judgment.

Von Moltke the Elder considered General George Washington as one of the greatest five strategists of all time. Von Moltke said that Washington was a master of the political aspect of war. Von Clausewitz pointed out that "War is an extension of politics by other means", meaning that politics and war are one thing, as in "the arm is an extension of the body". War is an extension of politics. Equally, you can say "War is an aspect of politics". The old story of Alexander the Great and his cutting of the Gordian knot is about this.

I shall watch events with interest. A Grand Master is at work.

[MARTIAL MONK]

This is saber rattling. It has a purpose in and of itself. It is designed to influence the current political balance and prevent trends extant from congealing into war. Since it defines causus belli clearly, it itcreases the liklihood of war but it also gives all parties an opportunity to avoid use of force. It provides focus.