"In recent months I have grown increasingly concerned that the administration has been giving thought to a heavy dose of air strikes against Iran's nuclear sector without giving enough weight to the possible ramifications of such action," said Wayne White, a former deputy director at the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. White, who worked in the bureau's Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia, left government in early 2005 and is now an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute.Forward Magazine, 7APR2006

Reading that this morning and then remembering what Barbara Tuchman asked in the preface to her book "The March of Folly"

A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests. Mankind, it seems, makes a poorer performance of government than of almost any other human activity. In this sphere, wisdom, which may be defined as the exercise of judgment acting on experience, common sense and available information, is less operative and more frustrated than it should be. Why do holders of high office so often act contrary to the way reason points and enlightened self-interest suggests? Why does intelligent mental process seem so often not to function? Barbara Tuchman, March of Folly, March 1985

I am afraid that it will be said, as it was just before March 2003 on the eve of the invasion of Iraq, "the train has left the station." This 'March of Folly" of attacking Iran has already gained more momentum than can be stopped by any world leader or all of them put together.

To thine ownself be true. W.S. CANADA