Well, considering Russia's army is running on fumes (asking China for weapons!) as is the economy, Russia is probably done taking countries when, and if, it takes Ukraine. I seriously doubt Russia/Putin is going to just launch nukes at the US (vs a tactical one in Ukraine - real possibility), so his conventional war will likely end with Ukraine.
China...Probably want to take Taiwan. They don't seem keen to be imperialists and take over SE Asia, Japan - just want to be the big dog. (Taiwan is a key to controlling the S China Sea.) But - again - it doesn't seem likely that China is going to be attacking the US proper anytime soon.
Same with Iran - don't see them attacking the US anytime soon.
I appreciate that view. But those who know Putin best (well, better than most?), like Fiona Hill, for instance, say he will never stop. I just read that Merkel told Obama years ago that Putin was no longer rational and that was then. And the more cornered he is, the more dangerous. I take your points about China and Iran, though neither can be trusted or predicted, but Putin does not seem very smart.
What Putin wants to do and what his military is capable of are two entirely different things. The last three weeks have shown that the Russian military would be no match for the US/NATO.
Of course he can attack NATO and cause a whole lot of destruction and death, but he is not going to roll through Europe.
Now, using nukes is another story, but if he’s that unhinged and decides that’s the way to win, there is no deterrent on earth that is going to change his mind - he’s unhinged.
Serious question: What makes you think Putin (China/Iran) will STOP until we are all dead??
Well, considering Russia's army is running on fumes (asking China for weapons!) as is the economy, Russia is probably done taking countries when, and if, it takes Ukraine. I seriously doubt Russia/Putin is going to just launch nukes at the US (vs a tactical one in Ukraine - real possibility), so his conventional war will likely end with Ukraine.
China...Probably want to take Taiwan. They don't seem keen to be imperialists and take over SE Asia, Japan - just want to be the big dog. (Taiwan is a key to controlling the S China Sea.) But - again - it doesn't seem likely that China is going to be attacking the US proper anytime soon.
Same with Iran - don't see them attacking the US anytime soon.
I appreciate that view. But those who know Putin best (well, better than most?), like Fiona Hill, for instance, say he will never stop. I just read that Merkel told Obama years ago that Putin was no longer rational and that was then. And the more cornered he is, the more dangerous. I take your points about China and Iran, though neither can be trusted or predicted, but Putin does not seem very smart.
What Putin wants to do and what his military is capable of are two entirely different things. The last three weeks have shown that the Russian military would be no match for the US/NATO.
Of course he can attack NATO and cause a whole lot of destruction and death, but he is not going to roll through Europe.
Now, using nukes is another story, but if he’s that unhinged and decides that’s the way to win, there is no deterrent on earth that is going to change his mind - he’s unhinged.
And as that seems likely, then it is up to his generals to stop him, which has always seemed the likeliest outcome to this madness.