It would be tempting to ascribe
the new doctrine of pre-emptive strikes against powers trying to develop weapons of mass destruction, which patently violates international law, to the right wing lunatics who surround 'the president'. Unfortunately, such a doctrine probably had to get the approval of some of the more mainstream American security types. It is difficult to read about such a doctrine and not be struck by the fear reflected in it. Basically, the US knows the days of the nuclear monopoly are over, and so is trying to terrorize smaller states out of getting their own. On the other hand, the US cannot touch China, which isn't too much closer to the US diplomatically or philosophically than Iraq.
