You're missing a couple of Wildcards....
1-Poland is fast becoming the leader of the Eastern Bloc of the European Union, and it's influence is growing fast.
They have abandoned the old Soviet Military doctrines, and are moving to quality, mobility, survival, and cutting edge training for thier miltary.
The Eastern Bloc is the buffer between a radicalized Middle East, and Europe, while even the Romanians are beginning to emerge as solid US allies..
2-The Emirate States are the financial hub of the Middle East, and realize the Europeans would sell them out in a heartbeat to the Dictator/Mullah of the week in heartbeat.
The U.S. is heavily involved in these states, much of it under the Radar, and out of the media...
I agree that I overlooked all of that.
But I fail to see how they change the potential. Not that I am arguing the point, but that I need help understanding.
They will surely be allies.
And if you read about the Ottoman Empire and its attempt to over run Europe some 600 years ago, Poland was what stopped them.
But I think the point here is that we could prevent it from reaching that point by sticking in Iraq but that the suits and correct ties are taking over.
They remind me of insurance adjusters. Anyone can split a number by two. Not really a talent to brag about.
I wonder how long they can continue to adopt that posture under the support and encouragement the Democrats are likely to give them??
"VOTE DEM! You'll Look GREAT In A Burqa!"
Thats the line I used with my liberal friends prior to the elections. Actually, slightly modified..."Vote Dem and your daughters will be wearing burqas".
Unfortuately, it didn't work! Of course nothing Conservative seems to work in Seattle.
Cheers....