I finished on the plane yesterday Bob Woodward's Plan of Attack. I have read all of his previous books (including the one on John Balushi and the one on the Supreme Court). Typically, full of details (some can be interesting and juicy) but short on analysis. He is just incapable of analysis, any analysis. And if you talk to him, he glorifies your role. But he could not improve the image of Bush in this book. You read this book and you realize what we have suspected all along. There is an expanding world empire headed by a man with extremely limited intellectual--if not mental--abilities. But this in fact may bring about the retreat of Empire. To have a competent and knowledgeable president at the helm will only ensure the longevity of the US empire. That is why I am optimistic on the long term: I am convinced that Bush has done so much damage around the world, and has messed up in so many places, that Americans will eventually demand a retreat and retrenchment. What is striking about the Woodward's book are the many instances in which "the defense of Israel" was mentioned in official deliberations. Cheney was wondering (p. 390): "Do we have our defenses ready for Israel? We promised Israel we would defend them;" "they had promised to defend Israel" (p. 387)...Saudi ambassador (Prince Bandar) had unusual access to the White House, and he thought that he was the first foreigner to learn about the start of the war (in fact, White House had lied to him. Israel was first to know). The account of the meeting between Bush and three Iraqis (including Makiya and my former friend Rend Rahim (who is now Iraq's ambassador to the US) is classic: Bush was told: "People will greet troops with flowers and sweets." (p. 359). Bush also asks them: "Does the average citizen in Iraq hate Israel?" (p. 258) And Bush told Prince Bandar this: "I always appreciate the crown prince's views. I consider him a good friend. I consider him a good ally, a great ally." (p. 230). On p. 190, when Bush was asked a question by a member of congress in one meeting, he turned to Cheney and asked: "What am I allowed to say?" "Not too much replied Cheney." Then Bush asked Cheney if he could have another serving of ice-cream. Cheney said no.