... Pat is just too easy! Okay, here goes:

Q: "If the US leaves Iraq as your proposing, do you think it would escalate the sectarian violence?"

Ed: "...sectarian violence is escalating on a daily basis already, with or without the benefit of our presence."

Dale: You didn't answer the question...again. Moving on...

Ed2: The sectarian violence will escalate until there is a political solution to the problem- whether the US stays or not. So, yes. If the US leaves the violence will escalate. If the US stays the violence will escalate.

Q: "Do you think Iran would then play more of a role in governing Iraq?"

Ed: "Iran is, of course going to play a role in the future governance of Iraq. Syria likely will too."

Thanks for answering. But that leads me to ask you an obvious follow up question; How will Iran and Syria have a more favorable and stabilizing effect in Iraq that the US?

Ed2: Did I say they would? That wasn't the question...

*** who'n' the fuck destabilized the whole Middle East? ***

Dale: Outside of the Sunni Triangle and Gaza I'd say the Middle East is as stable as it's ever been. Where is all this destabilization you're referring to?

Ed2: The fact that you're asking me about the consequences of Iran and Syria governing Iraq suggests that things have been very destabilized. Don't you suppose the shift in that balance of power might have a long term impact on, oh say...Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Saudis?

*** ...have you noticed how little company you've got over there on your side of the fence lately?

If you're referring to the DBIS I'm glad I'm in the minority here.

Ed2: Well, I meant like...the WORLD, but I'll leave this one alone.

*** ...you'd both have enlisted and you'd be over there right now handing out nylons, chewing gum, and democracy to the people who really don't want you there in the first place. ***

Again...you guys are very consistant, and predictable. Do you have some kind of newletter to giving you this little zingers?

Ed2: No, Dale. No newsletter. I write my own witty repartee and snappy retorts

And I'm still waiting for the facts proving once and for all, without a scintilla of doubt, that global warming exists.

Ed2: When all the drowned baby polar bears wash up on your doorstep on the incoming tide, then Dale, then perhaps you'll believe in SCIENCE!