The Best of the Web Today usually has at least one comment worth reading, but today was exceptional. James Taranto shares this author’s perspective on the upcoming Iraqi conflict:

All indications are that the president has the resolve to win this war, no matter how much heartburn it causes in Paris, in Berlin and on Capitol Hill. If he does not, he will deserve to lose in 2004. So let the liberation begin.

My sentiments exactly. Unless Saddam Hussein actually bolts (or is overthrown), I expect conflict to start before Washington’s Birthday.

Other interesting stories included:

A ScrappleFace satire about the Axis of Weasels – which will displease many German and French readers; hopefully they will make their displeasure known to their leaders.  I don't think German and French citizens realize how much their governments are irritating the average American who doesn't write editorials to the NY Times.  If these leaders do not come around, expect to see a sharp decline in American purchases of German cars and French wines once hostilities start.  It wouldn't surprise me if GM and Ford employees start a whisper campaign emphasizing Chrysler's German ownership if the Germans stay home.

And a serious link concerning a speech by Down Under’s Prime Minister Howard. He sounds like another “Realist” to me.

I believe that it is right for the international community to try to disarm Iraq. I believe that if the international community baulked at that task, if it walks away from it, if it gives up because it is too hard, Iraq will not oblige by giving up her weapons of mass destruction. She will be emboldened not only to retain them but to also expand them. And the example of that successful defiance will be copied by other countries and we will increasingly live in a world where a growing number of rogue states possess weapons that could do enormous damage not only to their neighbours but to the broader community.

This is leadership.