On Iran: Ruth Coniff, writing in The Progressive ("The Anonymous Briefing on Iran's Weapons"): "On BBC radio Monday morning military analysts pointed out that the bomb-making technology the Administration says must come from Iran has also been found in Lebanon and Syria. Hezbollah, armed by Iran and actively supporting Shia factions in Iraq, is just as likely a culprit for these weapons in Iraq as the Iranian government.

And, from that BBC piece, a lengthy analysis of the Bush administration's claims about Iran and the weapons, including the report that British troops doubt that the weapons come from Iran.

On Schumer: From The Nation, "Note to Schumer: What about George Bailey?" -- Katrina Vanden Heuvel's review of New York Senator Charles Schumer's new book, "Positively American: Winning Back the American Middle Class One Family at a Time."

While Democrats like Sherrod Brown, Jim Webb, and Jon Tester "are all speaking in bold populist terms that capture a growing majority of Americans' frustration with the free trade/corporate agenda," writes Vanden Heuvel, "Schumer has been promoting a go-slow approach that might tamp down the very boldness he claims to stand for in ‘Positively American.' Indeed, at a recent book discussion in Washington, DC, Schumer said that he believes presidential candidate John Edwards' populist stance on trade is ‘a mistake' politically and policy-wise."

Schumer, who fashions his book around a fictitious Long Island couple named Joe and Ellen Bailey, ought to embrace another Bailey: George, from "It's a Wonderful Life." That Bailey "fights and sacrifices for the welfare of ordinary Americans," writes Vanden Heuvel. "He is dedicated to keeping the Potters of the world from buying influence and taking over people's lives, neighborhoods, and communities."

Quote of the day: From the Washington Post, President Bush's explanation on why he won't be watching the Congressional debate on his Iraq policy. "‘You know, I've got a full day,' he said. ‘I mean, it's not as if the world stops when the Congress does their duty.' ‘Besides,' he added: ‘I already know what the debate is. I hear a lot of opinions.'"