Batfink's Beep -- 12-31-05

Batfink's predictions for 2006

December 31, 2005

Well, it's that time again -- time to reflect on the year that was, and what the trends are. And, based on that, venture some educated guesses on where we're going in the new year. With no further ado, some humble predictions:

1. Iran falls

I think it will happen this year, most likely, but not necessarily, on account of an attack on its nuke facilities by Israel.

2. Syria falls

Almost immediately after the bombing of Iran. Maybe even before Iran officially falls. With Iraq gone as a partner in crime, it is already on its last legs. Without Iran either, it is done, leaving only Saudi Arabia and Egypt as major sponsors of terror in the Middle East, which means...

3. Saudi Arabia and Egypt finally start to clean house

They won't want to, but let's face it: With Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lybia, Syria, and Lebanon all either free or collapsed, they'll have no alternative to making it look good. And under that kind of pressure, there won't be much latitude for just faking it, as they have been doing lately. This time, there will have to be real reform.

4. More than half of the troops come home

There's, what, 150K there now? By election time, 100K will be back.

5. Bush approval 55% by mid-year

It won't go much higher, because the angry left will go to their graves hating him, but it will be clear well before the primaries that Bush was right, and everyone who hasn't taken complete leave of his senses will be owning up to it. Lieberman will not end up having a serious primary challenge. Maybe a token one, but whoever it is won't get 20% for his trouble.

6.Kofi Annan out, ignominously

I don't think he can hang on until the end of his term. If he does, by then Bolton will have pulled us out. I, for one, will cheer.

7. GOP keeps the House and Senate

I think they will. We'll see.

8. The Barrett report comes out

And with it, Hillary becomes the new Teddy Kennedy -- Unelectable nationally, but a lifetime lock in as-blue-as-it-gets NY.

9. UBL and Zarqawi leave the building

And when they do, it will be heralded as the symbolic VE and VJ days of the WOT. Certainly, if that, as well as 1 thru 3 happen, there will be precious little left of the Islamist movement, and the rest will just be mopping up. As a result, Time magazine will name...

10. ...Reese Witherspoon, as person of the year.

Hey, it wouldn't be any dumber than what they did this year.

OK, folks, there's my list; We'll see how I do. Happy New year to all, and don't forget to have fun out there.

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