[ClearCase_guy]

The three great powers are Russia, India and China. Russia is severely lacking in population, but seems to have a strategy, money, a strong, ruthless leader. Interesting things may happen.

I'd say the US is out of this, which may be good in some ways (fewer dead American soldiers) but the reality becomes stark: we aren't a player any more. We have no strategy, no money, no leadership, and no culture of manliness.

[SatinDoll]

Get real. “We aren’t a player any more...” sounds wonderful. We really do not have a sensible reason to be in Central Asia, and must pay attention to problems on our southern border before being totally overrun by Mexicans.

[hinckley buzzard]

Correct. Obama, by design and intent, has sidelined the US in any meaningful foreign affairs. Only the post war breakup of the British Empire compares to America's current voluntary retraction of power and abdication of leadership.