[redgolum]

Russia is not our "friend", but is a co belligerent. Putin's #1 aim is what is best for Greater Russia, and that means working with and against US interests at times.

[SteveMcKing]

What is the chance that Russia's recent issues (selling arms to enemies, etc) is part of a game to convince all nations they are a balance to American policy, when really the two superpowers are acting as close allies?

[Cap Huff]

I didn't know that "Al-Queda" had any "adamant low-tech Judaists."

[King Prout]

...against adamant low-tech Judaists...

the author meant "Jihadists" or "Jihadis", presumably?

[rdcorso]

If the jihadis had any sense they would realize that America was the wrong country to pick a fight with when there are so many in Europe ready to surrender.They could have taken Spain fairly quickly and maybe even France without much of an effort.Instead they believed their own propaganda and thought they could take on the one country with the guts to fight back.It's too bad because I would have loved to see if France put up a fight or surrendered.

[SauronOfMordor]

Al Queda is unimportant. As long as the Golden Chain continues to exist, we can smack Al Queda operatives like we're playing whack-a-mole forever, and the Jihaadists will regenerate.

The "Golden Chain" is the group of wealthy Muslim financiers, mostly Saudi, who provide the finances that keep Al Queda and the rest going. Take out the Chain, and Al Queda and the rest dry up and blow away