Assad orders troops to step up readiness ...

[cool user name]

That and 15,000 Israeli reservists to be called up.

Ummmm ... me thinks that the time when the Arch-Duke Ferdinand is assassinated is near.

[Yupster]

1. Wouldn't be surprised if Assad

is removed by coup.

Who died and made him boss anyway. Oh, it was his dad.

I've got to think there are generals who don't think fighting Israel is the best idea.

No idea, but wouldn't be surprised to hear Assad is removed in military coup.

[cool user name]

2. Assad is an ass but he's not stupid.

Although, he might not have recourse but to engage the Israelis.

And if he doesn't, the radical elements within the party or even a Muslim coup would do the trick.

Bush's vision of stabilization is proceding as planned.