In its “Washington Whispers” section this week, U.S. News and World Report had this interesting tidbit:

The Pentagon won’t say who’s next in its war against terrorism, but we may have a lead. The holiday decorations on the door of the Joint Chiefs’ office for Middle East/Africa policy include a poster of Saddam Hussein, with a cotton-ball beard and a paper Santa hat. The thought-bubble reads: ‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! I wonder what Santa will be dropping down my chimney this year.’

I still doubt Iraq is next on the list of U.S. targets; it’s far better form for the military to build up Iraqi anxiety first. Besides, this Pravda (English) report of navy vessel movement suggests that Somalia may be next:

At the moment, six military ships are moving from Germany towards Somalia. Therefore, this African country is the next target of the anti-terrorist operation […].

[…] The German military stresses that its activities are ‘closely co-ordinated with the United States.’ It should be only added that Americans have not yet confirmed the rumors yet that they will now search for terrorists in Somalia. It is understandable: Washington does not need superfluous publicity, all the more since the UN Security Council has not approved the possible incursion into Somalia, so the Americans act at their own risk [my emphasis].

And of course, we’re committed to protecting our country — should it please the U.N., that is.

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