Goosing infrastructure companies isn’t anything new. It’s been going on since 2003, when the U.S.’ “shock and awe” offensive overwhelmed Iraqi forces and resulted in negligible casualties. It was too easy. The casualties came later.

Two things will define 2009. One is the huge $1 trillion economic stimulus package featuring “smart grids,” roads and bridges.

The other is the winding down of the war in Iraq. I believe that this will supersede handling the aftermath of the current eruption of violence between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The promise of ending the war helped President-Elect Obama get elected, though I believe the policy differences between the two presidential candidates were not as great as generally perceived.

Now Iran and Afghanistan are Obama’s problem. It’s not quite as urgent as the deteriorating state of the economy, but it’s close. Obama will begin withdrawing troops as soon as he can. That may