There has been much speculation regarding the rather abrupt departure of Karl Rove. Most centers around the possibility of his indictment because he was involved in the CIA leak. Or the dismissal of the U.S. Attorney Generals. Or spying on Americans. Or rigging elections or (I could go on a bit, you know)

But there may be another reason. For starters, the stated reason (to spend more time with family) when his son is going away to college is an obvious red flag. But could there be a more altruistic reason? Could it be that Rove has lost the internal battle with Dick Cheney and chose not to stay?

According to VIPS (Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity) Cheney may be directing a military attack on Iran. The reason? His belief that Iran may have a nuclear weapon in a few months. The truth? Not even likely. According to the latest National Intelligence Estimate Iran will not have capability for several years at best but the current version

The latest National Intelligence Estimate regarding if and when Iran is likely to have the bomb has been ready since February. It has been sent back four times -- no doubt because its conclusions do not support what Cheney and Woolsey are telling the president and, through the domesticated press, telling the rest of us as well.

With American forces at a very low state of readiness wouldn't it be insane to attack Iran? Sure, but that hasn't stopped Cheney/Bush before has it? Wouldn't the American public and Congress deny the Bush administration the authority? Wouldn't the public outcry be overwhelming? Once again, history may repeat itself. Follow on the flip...

Traditional media led by the Washington Post, Time magazine, and more are already setting the case and thereby undermining public reaction. If you recall, the run-up to the Iraq war was led by charges of mushroom clouds around America's cities. Remember all the supposed 'turncoats' like Chalabi who were providing 'intelligence' like we would be greeted with flowers? Well, it worked once. Besides, with the laws passed under the first six years of President Bush, this dministration can declare martial law at any time and for almost any reason.

I think Cheney and crew have correctly predicted the reaction of the American public. Enough of the current 25% of the public and 40-50% of the Congress will buy into the we must protect America against the evil Iranians and that taking out the elite Iranian Guard can be done with air attacks, the Iranian population will turn on the government and we'll strike a blow for democracy. Or, maybe not. If our military were attacked and we weren't too fond of the current Administration (70% of voters have had it with Bush) how we would react? I bet we'd rush to defend the country no matter who was President (witness reaction to 9/11). I bet Iranians will rush to defend their country as well and we will be in a bigger (losing) mess as you can imagine. This could be truly the mid-point of the end. Not only is Iran not a pushover but it will give proof to the charge that the US has declared war on the Mid-East.

So step away from the guns guys, step away from the bombs. It not only isn't working but more of the same could endanger the world more than it already is. The only way to avoid the strong possibility of yet another war is for Congress to take action. They have to move on several fronts, cutting the financial strings where possible, passing a law prohibiting pre-emptive attacks and moving on impeaching Cheney. Do something to hold these guys in check so high ranking officers will step forward, feel some element of protection and blow the whistle. Something has to happen and soon it would seem. 2008 is too far away.