METHOD TO THE MADNESS?

Interesting conclusion to this story about how the coming war in Iraq will shake up the global political order (or lack thereof):

One European defence minister said: "If war breaks out without a second UN resolution, it could affect the stability of the global political system. Many governments could fall."

He painted a scenario in which turmoil in the EU and the demise of Nato gives France and Germany the chance to forge ahead with plans for unity among a "core group" of about six European countries with a common foreign policy and a Euro-army.

"By provoking a rift with America, Chirac will force other European countries to take sides and try to create a union in which he would be the leader," said the minister.(emphasis mine)

It's the dominance of Europe and containment of America, stupid. And the illegal weapons trading...