Who will take advantage of the attention drawn to Israel/PLO/Lebanon?

You have to think like a neo-con and/or dictator to anticipate what they will do now that the world's attention has been diverted by the Mideast fighting between Israel/PLO/Lebanon.

Just like 911, neo-cons have plans already on the shelf to use should a galvanizing event take place. They were ready to invade Iraq as soon as 911 occurred even though Iraq had no connection. You can be sure they are ready now that all out fighting has broken out in the Middle East.

US plans for a preemptive attack on Iran may be accelerated on the alleged basis that Iran is supporting fighting by Lebanon and Syria against Israel's military strike. (However, the US military is less likely to admit that our troops in Iraq are in peril should Iran send tens of thousands of troops across the border in support of their Shiite brothers fighting against the US there).

Likewise, Kim Il-Jong of North Korea appreciates the fact that the world's attention has been diverted, and that the United States is in no position militarily to counter any moves he makes.

And China gets to "play along" indicating it is pressuring North Korea. However, China has no interest in removing Washington's "thorn" but rather allows the US concerns with North Korea to further stretch its military power, and drain its domestic treasury. The same could be said about Russia's position and motives. A military and economic weakening of the US plays to their interest as well.