‘Tis the season for predictions, and these eight possible scenarios from the folks at Investor’s Business Daily (hat tip: Free Republic) are about as realistic as some others I’ve seen thus far.

I especially think the Middle East one is true, as I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see war break out between Israel and Syria, with an escalation involving Iran – and, possibly, the US – drawn into a wider conflict. If that were to happen, all bets are off as to what goes down in that part of the world.

As for other predictions:

* I predict 2008 will be the year that either the worldwide Anglican Communion or the Episcopal Church – or perhaps, even both – split over the issue of homosexuality. To that end, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some form of a North American Anglican denomination officially take root and be recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury in some form. For Anglicans worldwide, 2008 promises to be a messy year indeed.

* In politics, watch carefully what New York City mayor Ron Bloomberg decides to do. If he chooses to enter the presidential race and is able to get on enough state ballots to make a difference, watch for current GOP candidate and resident loon Ron Paul to enter the race as well – for what party is anyone’s guess. But if this scenario were to happen, anything could happen in the 2008 race for the White House.

* Absent that scenario, as much as I like Fred Thompson and believe him to be the best-qualified candidate for the GOP, my prediction is that either John McCain or Mitt Romney will face Hillary Clinton in the general election. If this happens, I see the GOP not only taking the White House, but increasing seats in both the House and Senate as well. A Clinton candidacy, if it happens, will prove to be a nightmare for the Democrats.

* I think the economy will do better than some prognosticators are predicting. Falling real estate prices will bring new players into the market, thus stimulating growth in a lot of other quarters, which would be a good thing. Of course, if there is war in the Middle East, all bets are off in that regard.