We kidnapped Iranian citizens, including a registered diplomat, who were in Iraq on official business. Bush gave all this bull and bluster about Iran, and that we'd start hauling in their nationals, in spite of the fact that they aren't supporting the Sunni insrgents that are attacking our troops.

Iran knows Bush's actions are provocative, and his intent is to come up with an excuse to widen the war. Iran also knows that without a Baath led Iraq, they're the new regional power.

Blair was up against the wall on this one. He wouldn't get any support for any military action, and he knew it. The only card he had to play was to force Bush to make concessions, and release the diplomat. Without Blair's support, Bush had a crappy hand to play as well. He kidnapped a friggin diplomat. So Bush caved.

All those who didn't understand in 2003, that the invasion of Iraq wouldn't destroy the balance of power between Iraq and Iran, go sit in the corner.