The intellect of Homer Simpson

A genius article in the New York Times: Profound Effect on U.S. Economy Seen in a War on Iraq

An American attack on Iraq could profoundly affect the American economy, because the United States would have to pay most of the cost and bear the brunt of any oil price shock or other market disruptions, government officials, diplomats and economists say.

Well, no shit. The mind boggles at how much work went into producing that self-evident statement. No doubt tomorrow the Times will carry an article declaring that experts and researchers worry that ice is cold.

Lovely little quote that the Persian Gulf War "set off an economic recession." Funny, I thought Clinton said it was just all (senior) Bush's fault. So, by extension, the stability that little fracas (temporarily) brought to the region must have caused the economic recovery and never mind anything that Clinton might have (not) done.

And really, I could give less than a fig for the opinions of some of those quoted, such as:

"Just open a map," said a member of the Kuwaiti royal family in close consultation with Washington. "Afghanistan is in turmoil, the Middle East is in flames, and you want to open a third front in the region?"

"That would truly turn into a war of civilizations," he added.

Truly. Therefore, wasn't it just such a war in 1991? Back then it was great that we were storming in to beat the living bejeesus out of Saddam, so this "member of the Kuwati royal famly" would return to his third of fourth palace. But today...? Nah!