Steyn's not a Brit - he's Canadian.

OT - elsewhere you've mocked my assertions regarding Iran as the ultimate benefactor of our efforts in Iraq. Not to rewind that argument in detail, but here's something you might file for future reference as the plots thicken. Remember...you heard it first, etc. etc.

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/e77d12b8-ef0f-11d9-8b10-00000e2511c8.html

Posted by reg at July 9, 2005 09:31 AM

I didn't say English, I said a Brit, which, to my mind at least implys someone from the Brittish Commenwealth. But, be that as it may, you are right about the plot thickening... it will be interesting to see how this bit of news plays out. I would note that governments do make idiotic moves, and this may be one on Iraq's part.

Of course, your link is to the FT and any paper that supports David Gardner can't be all well in the head so to speak.

Again reg, you are totally and completely off base, but for some reason you do come up with a tad bit of brilliance like a couple (out of hundreds) comments over at Marc's blog. And for that, I thank you. You are always good for a chuckle or twelve.

Seriously, the "pact" between Iraq and Iran may prove to be a true "peace" between these two countries, which I doubt, but it may also be an attempt by the Shia in Iran to placate the Shia Majority in Iraq, long beaten down by the Baath Sunni thugs. Who knows? Let's both keep our eye on the situation and in the long run, we will see how it plays out.

Posted by G M Roper at July 9, 2005 10:05 AM

I don't understand how my bringing your attention to that bit of significant news makes me "totally and completely off base". If I were asked to lay money on it today, I would bet that the Iranians have a more extensive and effective network of agents in Iraq today than...guess who? The U.S. Their projection of influence and prospects for increasing it are obviously far, far greater than they could have ever dreamed of under Saddam. I don't find this situation unreasonable or necessarily disastrous, given the ethnic and sectarian outlines of the region - just ironic.

Also although it's usually reserved for residents, at the least, of the UK itself, Brit may in your mind refer to anyone, anywhere in the British Commonwealth. But I wouldn't use it as a term of endearment to an Irishman over drinks. You may find yourself on the floor of that particular bar.

Posted by reg at July 9, 2005 12:34 PM

Reg "Brit may in your mind refer to anyone, anywhere in the British Commonwealth. But I wouldn't use it as a term of endearment to an Irishman over drinks. You may find yourself on the floor of that particular bar. "

Can't disagree with that especially since my grandpa's family was from Dublin. ;-)

as to being off base, I wasn't referring your bringing that to my attention, I'm referring to much of your point of view vis-a-vis the war, the economy... etc and Iran being the ultimate benefactor of the war (did you mean beneficary?). I did not make my point clear and that is pretty obvious... point taken, please accept my apology.

Posted by G M Roper at July 9, 2005 12:44 PM

ooooooops...yeah....I meant "beneficiary"....thanks for catching that

Posted by reg at July 9, 2005 01:31 PM

"...thanks for catching that."

My pleasure Sir Reg, my pleasure indeed. ;-)

Besides, I misspelled Chapeaux as Chappeaux for a long time and no one ever caught it.... ;-)

Posted by G M Roper at July 9, 2005 02:43 PM

I expect a lot of flips and flops re co-operation with Iran as the government in Iraq evolves (2 more elections this year!) and that in Tehran tries to survive its own internal challenges. Which is far from a sure thing.

Posted by Brian H at July 9, 2005 10:36 PM