Much as they'd wish it to be true, the American media is simply not an extension of the country's population - most of the time, they're an aberration. Wartime is perhaps the best moment to witness the striking divergence in spirit and faith; unfortunately, the population listens to the media and though most of us citizens aren't flagging in support for the liberation, hearing commentary after hysterical commentary does wonders for agitation. ABC News particularly; every quarter-hour, the outlet provides updates on my local AM station. You'd swear the anchors were waiting with baited breath for a catastrophe or even the slightest unforeseen turn of events.

Thankfully, the more level-headed corners of the media provide learned ballast from the experts. Good old Ralph Peters knocks aside every panic-button the press has been thumbing since this weekend. Via Steven Den Beste.

Read it and breathe a sigh of relief.