Matt, stress is that condition that results from trying to impose logic on an illogical system. You seem to think they actually believe their own statements, and therein lies the source of your intracranial pressure.
The only way the hoo-hah over Iran makes sense is if they want to attack Iran for some reason other than what they say.
As far as I can tell, the real reason is to promote a permanent state of Middle East instability - apparently for the benefit of the many members of the military-industrial complex.
Rascals, that bunch. You mean you still believed them?
It’s all laid out at The Next Hurrah.
http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/2006/08/clearing_the_ai.html
It’s clear that the original plan was a few months to polish off Iraq in 2003, then reposition for Iran in 2004. That didn’t work out, but the Bushistas still want to take over Iran before they leave office — the strategy behind the plan still lives. Unfortunately.