The disappointing-but-still-worth-voting-for Iraq supplemental passed the house. Dems voting “no” from a left perspective are Michaud (ME), Woolsey, Lee, Lewis, Kucinich, Waters, Watson, and McNulty (NY). Dems votin “no” from a right perspective are Taylor (LA), Marshall (GA), Matheson (Utah), Boren (OK), Lincoln Davis (TN), Barrow (GA). Only two Republicans — Gilchrist (MD) and Jones (NC) — voted yes. This is the crux of the matter. Unless Congressional Republicans fear that continuing to vote for the war will cost them their seats and therefore turn against the White House, congress realistically can’t force Bush to end the war. If you happen to be represented by someone who voted “no,” you should really call or write in.

“The Iranian military seized 15 British naval personnel in the waters off Iraq early this morning, the British Ministry of Defence said today in a statement posted to its Web site.” Here‘s the Washington Post story. Here‘s the UK MOD’s statement. This sort of thing is why it’s so unnerving to live in a country where one gets the sense that substantial elements of the US government would welcome a war with Iran were appropriate circumstances to arise.