[B212]

what a negative comment....in essence he is saying; it is all over, we are finished, run and hide under your bed....nothing can be done to stop their advances.....yes, there is it is called M.A.D

[edpc]

MAD has no meaning to people who believe they’re martyrs. They’re wrong, of course, but there is no deterrent effect.

[BwanaNdege]

"But Moscow could be deterred, whereas the "apocalyptic" ideology of IS is perceived as incapable of long-term coexistence or compromise.

Very few groups have combined this territorial control, state-like structure, and avowed intention to attack the West. Mr Hagel, despite his hyperbole, has a point."

These last two paragraphs of the article are an excellent summation of the problem.