Eddie - I've actually not read anything specific to Metternich. A good idea for my next project.

Fatman - If you are re-reading Tuchman, try "The Proud Tower", a far-ranging study of the pre-war (WWI) period. The chapters on America's first steps toward imperialism are particularly interesting. Even more relevant is her "The March of Folly", which examines how administrations can become locked into policies that are clearly counterproductive. Her examples range from the archtypal Trojan Horse through British colonial policy in the Americas to the Vietnam War. Written in the 80s, it has obvious applications today - espcially for a serviceman serving in Iraq such as yourself!