You Fasten the Trigger for Others To Fire

++Glenn Greenwald in his new book referred to the bellicose nature of the Washington Post. I thought it was just I've become intemperate in my old age.

++But Martin Longman at Washington Monthly just posted a piece with the above title and a withering critique of the Post's impulse to war. He points out that no one at the Post who advocates endless deployments of our troops have ever been to war. 

++He then eviscerates Charles Krauthammer for his characterization of the Afghanistan withdrawal as a symptom of "Obama's narcissism".

++In his West Point speech, Obama did say the United States should lead the world but not succumb to the temptation of rushing to war.

++I am surprised that bloggers are getting hip to the Post's War Jones. I find it unsettling on a daily basis.

The Week Ahead

++ Wednesday, President Obama is set to make a foreign policy speech at West Point where he will urge  international engagement but no overreach.

++President Obama is to announce new measures to restrict carbon from power plants. This will be somewhat watered down so states can choose to comply. The International Community is anticipating this policy announcement as a sign the US will become serious about climate change.

++President Obama announced that the plan for Afghanistan is that American direct involvement ends this year and he advocates keeping 9,800 troops in country until 2016.

++Glenn Greenwald is set to announce what he thinks is his bombshell revelation--all the Americans who have been monitored by the NSA.

++Rasmussen has some funky poll numbers out today. Obama is at 50% approval rating.Democrats have a 42-38 lead in the generic congressional poll, which means it is a wash. Jason Carter has a 48 to 41 lead in the Georgia governor's race over Nathan Deal.

++The new Ukrainian President wants direct military assistance from the United States and wants to negotiate with Putin directly.

++President Obama has ordered military training for the "moderate" Syrians.