[jhpigott]

think, being the operative word

I think its going to happen because

1) summer time conditions are optimal for warfare in that part of the world and history suggests same (see 1967 and last summers conflict)

2) both contries are mobilized (many military observers have commented this is the largest mobilization of Syrian forces to the Golan front since 1973)

3) Olmert and Assad are both dealing with imminent political and/or domestic crisis (Olmert - historically low approval ratings, blundering management of last summers war leading to daming Winograd report, etc.; Assad - international pressure to stop support of terror groups and upcoming UN trial for the Hairir murder, which may very likely finger his govt.) and may be looking for a way to deflect those crisises (probably thru peace talks at first, but if they break down could lead to war)

4) words are powerful. There are way too many suggestions of war by both sides (both from their political and military branches). These “babblings” (as Olmert has called them) have led to a very real mobilization of forces, the next step is initiation of hostilities

I will continue later, but I think we are in for a war this summer

[jhpigott]

ping

[agrace]

Thanks for the insight. Adds credence to what’s become usual rhetoric from Ahmadinejad, in that very recently he said that Israel would cease to exist soon.