Were Congress somehow to reject the Administration's deal in some effort to maintain a consistent principle on non-proliferation, it would have no effect on Iran's decisions. But that futile gesture would have a devastating effect on US relations with India.

Last year, I co-sponsored the Highlands Conservation Act and in a bipartisan effort we passed the bill through Congress.

Congress needs to do everything possible to save these imperiled birds before it is too late. Unfortunately all the effort in Congress is focused on cutting holes in the Endangered Species Act.

Points for effort, if not using your smarts so much, Brian.

The president has such mastery of all of the tools of disaster relief. It's a military effort, Congress appropriates whatever you want, he controls the executive branch, and this is something where Bush can just go ahead and do his thing and all the Democrats can do is sigh.

I believe it is still true that conflicts among major powers usually stem from geopolitical rivalries but rarely from economic competition.