[jonascord]

Let's suppose, just for the sake of argument, that the Palestinians buy a nuke from the DPRK and detonate it at 31st and Broadway in Manhattan. What will happen to the Dem's chances of being reelected to ANYTHING? Over and above the fact that the military will finally be allowed to switch from a law enforcement styled response to Irag and Afghanistani resistance to a military response. A military response would entail simply pouring rifle fire at all available openings of a suspected leader's building until you can get close enough to use a flame thrower, torch the place and shoot anything that comes out, and when the flames die down, bulldoze the shell. Then, move on to the next building.... When the leadership, both secular AND religious, all sects, realize that THEY are number one on the list, I wonder how fast they will be willing to negotiate?

[samtheman]

I think your scenario nails it. The problem is, that intial detonation at 31st and Broadway (or wherever). It's going to be unpleasant in these United States for many years after that... not to mention in the greater tri-state area.