Overheard while snooping at a keyhole:

Well, it's Novosti, and I don't really trust anything I read in the Russian press, but...

Russian military intelligence services are reporting a flurry of activity by U.S. Armed Forces near Iran's borders, a high-ranking security source said Tuesday.

"The latest military intelligence data point to heightened U.S. military preparations for both an air and ground operation against Iran," the official said, adding that the Pentagon has probably not yet made a final decision as to when an attack will be launched.

He said the Pentagon is looking for a way to deliver a strike against Iran "that would enable the Americans to bring the country to its knees at minimal cost." ...

Well, that sounds like the Bushies. War isn't supposed to be costly, bloody, and difficult -- war is supposed to be easy and fun!

We'll know for sure if we hear that Dick Cheney has lit a bunch of candles, drawn himself a bubble bath, poured a glass of wine and moved a TV next to the tub (tuned to Fox, of course). This is going to be exquisitely pleasurable for him.

Historically, the Red Army’s Intelligence Service, GRU, was quite accurate in many of its reports and predictions. This is because the service operated with a large force of covert case officers co-located in embassies and consulates and a remarkably active group of ideologically motivated local agents and informers. Additionally, both the GRU and much smaller KGB discovered that many secrets in the West were easily obtained by the most persuasive argument: cash.

While the present Russian Army is a shadow of its former self, one can confidently assume that its intelligence organs have not suffered the same starvation that has befallen the armed services.

Well, we did suggest a general period, but we had in mind the period between the 15th and the 19th.