[Sherman Logan]

If that had not been there and if (I know, many "ifs") the Japanese had hit Russia in the back in Syberi, the Nazis would have ridden rough-shod straight into Central Asia.

Possible. However, the Japs tried it on with the Red Army in 1939 and got absolutely smashed.

The Japs were set up to fight the obsolete Chinese forces and were in no shape to deal with mechanized land warfare in open country. Banzai charges didn't work any better against Soviet tanks than against American marines.

[Cronos]

again, you’ve taught me something! I did not know about the Japanese-Soviet battles (looked it up now), though I thought I knew something about WWII. thanks