Well, I don't think Arnie is that stupid. But it could also be that there are larger interests to make sure that the current crop of leaders are in power after 2004. Bush could not afford to go into the next reelecton without a foothold in Cal.
Also, Syria is in trouble. For a lefty narrative (left of left) of what's up, read this and article before it on attacking Syria:
http://www.counterpunch.org/wasserman10062003.html
The bit about the Nazi link is a bit doubtful and exhaggerated. But other than that Syria is on the agenda for sure.