International Odds

First Omar Hariri. Now Tung Cheehwa. The way things are stacking up, we won’t have many international political figures left to write angry letters about.

Fortunately, there’s one constant in international politics: upheaval is good for a little pocket money.

With shameless financial incentive in mind, I called my Vegas contact, Chuck Bamboono, to get some hot tips. Here’s what he had to say.

BASHAR AL-ASSAD:
Odds of Resigning: 4 to 1
Tell: “The withdrawal should be very soon, might be during few months and not after that. I cannot give you a technical answer.” Well, that’s putting it lightly. Uncertainty is a harsh mistress. It’s either resignation or untimely assassination, my friend. Get out while you still can.

ARIEL SHARON:
Odds of Resigning: 200 to 1
Tell: Even with Arafat, you can’t stop the animosity. And do you think Sharon wants to stop now that the alleged “dream” is just beyond reach?

GEORGE BUSH:
Odds of Resigning: 5,000 to 1
Tell: Stubborn is as stubborn does.