In addition, even if the State is financially mired, a vast proportion of the world's wealth and resources still lie within the private ownership of western capital identities (institutions and individuals). This gives the power-brokering entity, known that is The States, the capability to assert force and economic sanctioning on small fries to extend their nationalistic interests whilst providing more levers in negotiating with tougher diplomatic opponents (like the bear and the panda).

Back to the Iran / Israel sabre rattling. My guess is it is just that. I could be wrong but the chances of failure in any raid on Iran's nuclear facilities would be high: 1) given the installation of 29 SA-15 Gauntlet anti-aircraft systems; 2) the need to use tactical nuclear bunker busters / and or consequtive raids to get through to the heavily reinforced facilities deep underground; 3) spread out nature of the facilities, many of which are in civilian population centres; 4)distance to target; 5) Iranian Airforce capabilities (eg. MIG 35, MIG 29) 6) Iranian Missile technology; 7) Likely overthrow of the Iraq administration by al-Sadr; Hebollah reaction from Lebanon etc. etc.

In a nutshell the market has little to worry about - except for George Bush's ongoing desire to have a go at Iran of course.

Or do we just point to the evil volcano lair or something equally fantastical?

*Flamesuit on*
Well there's the popular "loose change" film. Not going into the gamut of conspiracy theories but it does amaze me that people even concieve the US government is capable of this. I mean look at Vietnam, and the arguably manufactured 1930 depression, they are capable of anything really. Not saying I'm a 911 nut..