Number one threat

[PennSkinsFan]

to USA

[RedskinsDave]

No Iraq? ;)

[PennSkinsFan]

I chose Iran simply because I do not believe the new President is very stable and is a complete extremist.

[CNYSkinFan]

I went with iran because of the dangerous islamic regime there and the determination of their governemtn to get Nuclear weapons. N. Korea is dangerous too but their people are starving and may break into open revolt if a full fledged campaign was put against them. Iran would fight to the death because of the religious undercurrent.

[fent]

i went with china because they don't just offer a military threat, but an economic one as well.

[Ibleedburgundy]

A hostage-taking, holocost-denying, radical Muslim with Nuclear ambitions can't be a good thing.

[BurgundyNGold]

i went with china because they don't just offer a military threat, but an economic one as well.
Hear, hear. I said China because, if nothing else, China will be sapping our quality of life for decades. If Iran gets to uppity, that place will end up a sheet of glass.

[VTBob]

i went with china because they don't just offer a military threat, but an economic one as well.

China could do as much damage to us by calling in our $224 billion debt to them compared to going to war - but why would they? Our economy powers theirs, we buy the majority of their exports. As long as we dont f with Taiwan, China would never go to war with us.


Personally, I feel the biggest threat is a tie between Iran and N. Korea, both have crackpot leaderships, one a religious extreme the other a crazy dictator...and both have the potential to be a nuclear threat. I feel both are nations the UN needs to keep a close eye on...

BTW I voted "other" since I couldn't vote for both Iran and N. Korea - also, I feel al Qaeda is always a threat, but their ability to launch another 9/11 has been diminished at least in the short term with so much of their monitary accounts being frozen, and the fact al Qaeda has become more of a splinter cell organization with bin Laden being on the run (harder to coordinate a large attack due to it IMO)

[BurgundyNGold]

China could do as much damage to us by calling in our $224 billion debt to them compared to going to war - but why would they? Our economy powers theirs, we buy the majority of their exports. As long as we dont f with Taiwan, China would never go to war with us.
I'm not worried about the miltary applications. I'm concerned about the loud sucking sound I'm hearing to the east every December. In the US, we call it Christmas. ;)

Personally, I feel the biggest threat is a tie between Iran and N. Korea, both have crackpot leaderships, one a religious extreme the other a crazy dictator...and both have the potential to be a nuclear threat. I feel both are nations the UN needs to keep a close eye on...
Militarily, I agree. However, while I like the concept of the UN, it truly is a "debating society". It would have to be coerced into dealing with Iran militarily and even then is not designed to do so. It can't even handle North Korea.

BTW I voted "other" since I couldn't vote for both Iran and N. Korea - also, I feel al Qaeda is always a threat, but their ability to launch another 9/11 has been diminished at least in the short term with so much of their monitary accounts being frozen, and the fact al Qaeda has become more of a splinter cell organization with bin Laden being on the run (harder to coordinate a large attack due to it IMO)
It makes you wonder if we actually DO want to catch that guy. ;)

[VTBob]

the UN is just like the League of Nations, doesn't really get jack done IMO - still I feel its better to have the UN arbitrate issues and then go to the military option if arbitration and sanctioning doesn't do the trick, rather than our nation go gung ho into another country, a la Iraq...but I digress...

also, I feel Canada should be on the list. Nobody would ever suspect em to launch a Terrance and Phillip type bombing raid of the Baldwins! :D

[BurgundyNGold]

the UN is just like the League of Nations, doesn't really get jack done IMO - still I feel its better to have the UN arbitrate issues and then go to the military option if arbitration and sanctioning doesn't do the trick, rather than our nation go gung ho into another country, a la Iraq...but I digress...
Confederacies don't work. Maybe the UN can help legitimize a march to war, but in the time it takes to do that, the perpetrating nation could fortify itself pretty well and maybe even have time to develop the weapon in question. So, it's damned if you do, damned if you don't.

also, I feel Canada should be on the list. Nobody would ever suspect em to launch a Terrance and Phillip type bombing raid of the Baldwins! :D
Yeah, I've always thought the Canadians were being too nice. They're up to something. ;)

[akhhorus]

Other: EU

[tommahawk]

Why am I the only one to say North Korea?
We've been at odds for over half a century.
Their leader is as psyco as they come.
They have nukes already, causing a destablization of SE asia.
ICBMs.
What am I missing...

[fent]

Why am I the only one to say North Korea?
We've been at odds for over half a century.
Their leader is as psyco as they come.
They have nukes already, causing a destablization of SE asia.
ICBMs.
What am I missing...

their ICBMs aren't capable of doing any damage to us yet. they could hit hawaii and that's it. they're working towards greater range, but haven't achieved it yet.

[tommahawk]

I heard they had two stage rockets capable of hitting the west coast years ago.
What was that, disinformation?

Or is it that Korea does'nt have oil?

[fent]

I heard they had two stage rockets capable of hitting the west coast years ago.
What was that, disinformation?

Or is it that Korea does'nt have oil?

i did my undergrad thesis on ballistic missile defense and had a chapter on "rogue nation" threats. as of 2003 they didn't have that capability and i haven't seen any news story since to indicate that they do. at the time they were working on a two stager that could reach LA, but it wasn't operational yet.

[VTBob]

N. Korea cant reach the continental US yet, but whats to say Kim Jong-Il (sp?) wouldn't sell off a warhead or processed plutonium to the highest bidder to further his military funding? Same goes for Iran, their leadership might be nuts enough to build a nuke and then give it to some terrorist group to do with as they please.

I know this is simply speculation, but I still feel Western nations are at risk of a nuclear attack from the hands of Iran or N. Korea...

[akhhorus]

N. Korea cant reach the continental US yet, but whats to say Kim Jong-Il (sp?) wouldn't sell off a warhead or processed plutonium to the highest bidder to further his military funding? Same goes for Iran, their leadership might be nuts enough to build a nuke and then give it to some terrorist group to do with as they please.

I know this is simply speculation, but I still feel Western nations are at risk of a nuclear attack from the hands of Iran or N. Korea...

Iran MIGHT(big might) be able to hit southeastern Europe with their missiles, and North Korea can threaten NE Asia and maybe(another big maybe) the US West coast. But there's one problem, as soon as they do it, they're fried chicken. Taking out Seattle or Toyko might be fun for North Korea, but they would be gone, off the planet if they did. Same goes for Iran.

[BurgundyNGold]

Other: EU
Short term threat. That cheap labor they're getting from the East will only last for so long before they want 13 weeks of vacation and new social programs will have them languishing in 14% unemployment too.

Europe = Gone
US = Here
China = Coming

[BurgundyNGold]

Iran MIGHT(big might) be able to hit southeastern Europe with their missiles, and North Korea can threaten NE Asia and maybe(another big maybe) the US West coast. But there's one problem, as soon as they do it, they're fried chicken. Taking out Seattle or Toyko might be fun for North Korea, but they would be gone, off the planet if they did. Same goes for Iran.
You assume sanity for these leader. KJI might be an egomanical tyrant but he at least has some semblance of self preservation. We can't say the same about a mullah with divinity on the brain.

[akhhorus]

You assume sanity for these leader. KJI might be an egomanical tyrant but he at least has some semblance of self preservation. We can't say the same about a mullah with divinity on the brain.

There are no insane leaders. And if KJI was gunning for some blaze of glory taking out Japan and world fish stocks, he would have done it long ago and not bothered with negotiations.

[akhhorus]

Short term threat. That cheap labor they're getting from the East will only last for so long before they want 13 weeks of vacation and new social programs will have them languishing in 14% unemployment too.

Europe = Gone
US = Here
China = Coming

If they stay a collection of states with some loose supra-national organization, they wouldn't be a threat to the US and will be a strategic partner, but if they become a real government, they will be a bigger threat economically and militarily to the US than China is.

[BurgundyNGold]

There are no insane leaders. And if KJI was gunning for some blaze of glory taking out Japan and world fish stocks, he would have done it long ago and not bothered with negotiations.
Exactly. The thing about the Iranians that is disconcerting is the fact that they've got the religious angle. Nobody is more dangerous than the man who believes he is justified because he is following the path of righteousness. Those clowns can justify ANYTHING.

[akhhorus]

Exactly. The thing about the Iranians that is disconcerting is the fact that they've got the religious angle. Nobody is more dangerous than the man who believes he is justified because he is following the path of righteousness. Those clowns can justify ANYTHING.

And if they were going to nuke anyone, it would be the Saudis or any major Sunni country. They hate them more than they hate us.

[BurgundyNGold]

And if they were going to nuke anyone, it would be the Saudis or any major Sunni country. They hate them more than they hate us.
Not Israel? I would think that they would have to be pretty high on their crumb list. And as for hitting us, there is something to be said for just walking right up to the biggest bully on the block and punching him square in the mouth. I think they'd do it just to make a holy war out of it.

[akhhorus]

Not Israel? I would think that they would have to be pretty high on their crumb list. And as for hitting us, there is something to be said for just walking right up to the biggest bully on the block and punching him square in the mouth. I think they'd do it just to make a holy war out of it.

Well, hitting Israel is the same problem with hitting us. Iran would cease to exist from the retaliation. In fact, Israel might strike first. I think their whole bluster against Israel is the same from every Muslim country. They do it for political support, but could really care less. Syria, Egypt and Lebanon(along with the rest of the Arab World) do too much business with Israel to want to start a war.


And they can't hit us with their nukes. Maybe US troops around them or US interests in the region, but they can't hit us and aren't close to being able to.

[BurgundyNGold]

Well, hitting Israel is the same problem with hitting us. Iran would cease to exist from the retaliation. In fact, Israel might strike first. And they can't hit us with their nukes. Maybe US troops around them or US interests in the region, but they can't hit us and aren't close to being able to.
Sure they could. Just not via traditional delivery methods. Yet.

[akhhorus]

Sure they could. Just not via traditional delivery methods. Yet.

Hezabollah ain't carrying a nuke into the US for them. Al Queda wouldn't either. Al Queda might use it against Tehran.

[BurgundyNGold]

Hezabollah ain't carrying a nuke into the US for them. Al Queda wouldn't either. Al Queda might use it against Tehran.
Hezbollah isn't the only way to deliver a payload. Anyway, I'm just saying that the Iranian crowd is going to have to be dealt with. It'll be either the easy way or the hard way -- for them -- but in any event they'll have to be dealt with.

[akhhorus]

Hezbollah isn't the only way to deliver a payload. Anyway, I'm just saying that the Iranian crowd is going to have to be dealt with. It'll be either the easy way or the hard way -- for them -- but in any event they'll have to be dealt with.

And they know we're bluffing in some respects. We won't attack/invade anytime soon. Israel won't either unless they find out that Iran is about to attack them.

[jporterweb]

I think Iran is the worst. Not because they could realistically attack us, but because of what they could do to our allies. If they were to launch at Nuke at Israel it would literally start World War 3. I think that if they were to do that, China, North Korea, and possibly Russia would back them against us and GB. Would not be good because I don't know that France or Germany would take sides until they were threatened.

[akhhorus]

I think that if they were to do that, China, North Korea, and possibly Russia would back them against us and GB.

No way China and Russia back North Korea or Iran in a war. Russia doesn't have the strength and China can't risk an economic meltdown by cutting off the flow of exports to the US/Europe.

[fent]

No way China and Russia back North Korea or Iran in a war. Russia doesn't have the strength and China can't risk an economic meltdown by cutting off the flow of exports to the US/Europe.

add to that the fact that their leaders are sane. remember that at one point, stalin was one of our biggest allies. he was an evil bastard, but he was sane. i wouldn't call hu or putin evil, but sane is definitely one of their qualities. all that to say that they know that regardless of the differences they have with us, it would be disastrous both militaristically and economically to side with n. korea or iran in a war against us.

[Axegrinder]

If China is the threat,it's because we gave it to them.[WTO]
I'm leaning towards the flavor of the month,Iran.

[Paintedbird]

Bush himself is the most dangerous threat out there. We are able to handle North Korea and Iran for various reasons known to all; what is not clear is whether we have the courage and will to handle the unprecedented power grab of the Bush White House and the incalcuable damage the Republican party, under Bush's influence, seems bent upon doing to our constitution, electoral process, media, bill of rights, foreign relations, and checks and balance system in behalf of a privileged minority.
We not have, in essence, a corrupt, malignant government and is that only inept in regard to responsible governance, but also a clear and present danger to the United States and it's traditional ideals.

[dukeuch]

Bush himself is the most dangerous threat out there. We are able to handle North Korea and Iran for various reasons known to all; what is not clear is whether we have the courage and will to handle the unprecedented power grab of the Bush White House and the incalcuable damage the Republican party, under Bush's influence, seems bent upon doing to our constitution, electoral process, media, bill of rights, foreign relations, and checks and balance system in behalf of a privileged minority.
We not have, in essence, a corrupt, malignant government and is that only inept in regard to responsible governance, but also a clear and present danger to the United States and it's traditional ideals.

Agreed. Bush's global politics continues shaping hatred of the US among those who wish us harm, and will surely turn other governments against us.

[VTBob]

I don't like Bush myself, but please keep the political spin to another thread guys and stick to the original question - what nation is the greatest threat...

...anyhoo, that being said I think another point of worry could be Syria, they're not a direct threat to the US but definitely are serving to destabilize their neighboring nations...

[Booser]

Bush himself is the most dangerous threat out there. We are able to handle North Korea and Iran for various reasons known to all; what is not clear is whether we have the courage and will to handle the unprecedented power grab of the Bush White House and the incalcuable damage the Republican party, under Bush's influence, seems bent upon doing to our constitution, electoral process, media, bill of rights, foreign relations, and checks and balance system in behalf of a privileged minority.
We not have, in essence, a corrupt, malignant government and is that only inept in regard to responsible governance, but also a clear and present danger to the United States and it's traditional ideals.

I'm not clairvoyant, but I definitely saw this one coming...

[BurgundyNGold]

If China is the threat,it's because we gave it to them.[WTO]
I'm leaning towards the flavor of the month,Iran.
Admitting China into the WTO is intended to make them come into compliance with and honor international trade laws. Tariffs and penalties can (and are) levied against nations -- like China -- who employ destabilizing and dumping tactics. China sees WTO as a market opportunity, which it is. The rest of the world sees WTO admittance of China as an opportunity to enforce some accountability on China and maybe even take some of the steam off of its growth by making them play by the rules.

[Paintedbird]

I don't like Bush myself, but please keep the political spin to another thread guys and stick to the original question - what nation is the greatest threat...

...anyhoo, that being said I think another point of worry could be Syria, they're not a direct threat to the US but definitely are serving to destabilize their neighboring nations...

Iran seems the greatest danger in the short term, if we light the fuse. Not otherwise. In the long term. China is a legit nightmare. We should be cultivating friends in the Middle East and Asia to allay the danger. North Korea and Iraq are now distractions. I hope we don't create another one by moronic leadership.

[fent]

Iran seems the greatest danger in the short term, if we light the fuse. Not otherwise. In the long term. China is a legit nightmare. We should be cultivating friends in the Middle East and Asia to allay the danger. North Korea and Iraq are now distractions. I hope we don't create another one by moronic leadership.

iran doesn't need any help lighting the fuse. they've thumbed their nose at the world with their actions, they've made every inflammatory remark possible about the EU, Israel, and the US, and now they have a human chain outside their nuke sites to make sure no one takes them out. that's what we call crazy.

[flave1969]

Don't you think it is sad that you can produce a list of threats that long.

I am sad that my country is starting to become the same way.

Trouble is with all this looking outwards we failed to see that our biggest threat is actually from within. Dissaffected British born young men ripe for the plunder by misguided poisonous propaganda that was fed by our own actions overseas.

Take care of business at home and it makes the rest of the world easier to deal with.

[Axegrinder]

Don't you think it is sad that you can produce a list of threats that long.

I am sad that my country is starting to become the same way.

Trouble is with all this looking outwards we failed to see that our biggest threat is actually from within. Dissaffected British born young men ripe for the plunder by misguided poisonous propaganda that was fed by our own actions overseas.

Take care of business at home and it makes the rest of the world easier to deal with.
Amen to that!

[suppitty]

I was gunna say Cuba, but after seeing that they were admitted to the World Baseball Classic, it clearly can't be them ;)

[RedskinsDave]

Don't you think it is sad that you can produce a list of threats that long.

I am sad that my country is starting to become the same way.

Trouble is with all this looking outwards we failed to see that our biggest threat is actually from within. Dissaffected British born young men ripe for the plunder by misguided poisonous propaganda that was fed by our own actions overseas.

Take care of business at home and it makes the rest of the world easier to deal with.

Most of those listed are a threat to every other country in the world. I think it's a pretty short list compared to 20 years ago.

[Ibleedburgundy]

I was gunna say Cuba, but after seeing that they were admitted to the World Baseball Classic, it clearly can't be them ;)


:lol1:

[Spence]

Iran, obviously. Good thing we've spent the last four years focusing on Iran and their active nuclear weapons program, their many ties to international terrorism and their sponsorship of radical Shiite groups in Iraq.

:lol1:

Oh, man. I knew I couldn't type that with a straight face.

[RedskinsDave]

We need to leave Iran to the UN. I have been told they can solve these kinds of problems.

[flave1969]

We need to leave Iran to the UN. I have been told they can solve these kinds of problems.

Who can solve these kinds of problems?

[Spence]

We need to leave Iran to the UN. I have been told they can solve these kinds of problems.It appears the Bush admin agrees with you. Are you having late-night policy chats with Karl Rove again?

[RedskinsDave]

It appears the Bush admin agrees with you. Are you having late-night policy chats with Karl Rove again?

Of course. I make the trek over to the Palisades and Darby makes us these homemade cookies that are just to die for and......oh no you don't, I'm not giving away my secrets.

[Spence]

Dude, I just wanted the cookie recipe. Adiebee is covered for sugar and chocolate chip, but if you've got something with raisins...

[Paintedbird]

Iran's a corrupt state, as well as a religious one. To the extent that it is corrupt, it will continue to gladly deal with us for arms and cash; to the extent that it is religious, it will continue to be a terrorist state rather than one concerned with its hegemony. It's primary goal as a religious state is to separate itself from us and our culture; ironically, it needs our weapons to do it. The way to defuse Iran, in respect to ourselves, is to stop selling it arms and to get the heck away from it.
Let's bring our guys home and worry about China.

[VTBob]

we're still selling Iran weapons? When did this happen...?

[BurgundyNGold]

we're still selling Iran weapons? When did this happen...?
Past or present, things that did happen, things that didn't -- it's all the same to Paintedbird.

[Booser]

Iran's a corrupt state, as well as a religious one. To the extent that it is corrupt, it will continue to gladly deal with us for arms and cash; to the extent that it is religious, it will continue to be a terrorist state rather than one concerned with its hegemony. It's primary goal as a religious state is to separate itself from us and our culture; ironically, it needs our weapons to do it. The way to defuse Iran, in respect to ourselves, is to stop selling it arms and to get the heck away from it.
Let's bring our guys home and worry about China.


yeah bro, we havent sold iran weapons in quite some time. and iran seems to be equiping itself militarily without our help.

[Santheb]

I chose other. After steadily watching the Colbert Report, I know that without a doubt, the greatest threat to the country is bears.

[Paintedbird]

yeah bro, we havent sold iran weapons in quite some time. and iran seems to be equiping itself militarily without our help.

Oh year, Bro, I forgot. Clinton and Bush called all of our arms dealers off.