Imagine that you are an Iraqi officer. You have been careful not to show too much initiative as your brighter – but less wise – peers have a habit of disappearing in case they would someday plot to eliminate Saddam Hussein. Rumors of invasion are rampant, but you also hear that the French and Germans are doing everything in their power to protect Saddam’s reign.

After another anxious day at work, the pressure continues to build. Saddam’s secret police have done another sweep of “untrustworthy” citizens and another co-worker vanishes. The workday finally ends and you head toward home on foot. After fifteen minutes you are almost home. Then your cellphone – one of your few luxuries – rings.

You answer the phone wondering if the attack has finally started. To your amazement, the voice on the other end starts listing many of Saddam’s atrocities. You look around, you could get killed for just listening to this. No one seems to be paying any attention to you. You keep walking home, trying to look causal. The voice identifies itself as an American and advises you not to resist when the war comes. The American says Saddam’s days of tyranny are numbered, but only those who fight for Saddam will be harmed. He then wishes you well and hopes you choose wisely when the time comes. You hear a click and the voice is gone. What do you do?

A far fetched scenario? Not really. See this article. No wonder anti-Americanism is growing – Tyrants around the world are wondering if they are next.