Predictions 2006

Just a couple of predictions or non predictions for 2006. The first deals with the midterm elections and the second with Iraq.

2006 Midterms
Of course the question is, will the Democrats take control of the House, Senate or both? The Republicans have certainly done everything they needed to do to make it happen but can the Democrats do what they need to do? I see it as an unknown at this point. The Democrats have no leadership that can fill the void that will be left as the Republican leadership succumbs to scandal. The Democratic party has to decide if it's still the Democratic party or just the Republican Lite party of the DLC. If it's the latter the Democrats will lose because they won't have the energy of the base. Did you hear that Hillary?

Iraq
US involvement in Iraq will largely end. Not because of Cindy Sheehan and the peace protesters but because those who supported the war will come to the conclusion it's unwinnable. By unwinnable I mean Cheney's petroleum posse is not going to get control of the oil, the other large multinationals are not going to get control of the economy and there won't be any permanent military bases. Although Iraq will officially remain one country there will be a de facto separation with a virtually autonomous Kurdish north and Shia South.

Happy New Year