[Orangedog]

I agree, that should be our position. My only reservation is that if we were to use even tactical nukes against China in response to invading Taiwan, the Chinese may follow through on their threat of incinerating Los Angeles. They might even take it personally if we use nukes on North Korea since they are on one of their borders. Certainly if the Chinese were to nuke U.S. territory, China wouldn't have to worry about an over-population problem after our response. I'd hate to see this turn nuclear, but if it comes to that, we need to make an example of them.

This is a bit off-topic, but I wonder how the world economy would react if there were to be a brief and limited nuclear exchange, either involving us or between two countries like India and Pakistan. Even if no U.S. cities were to be involved, I have to think that the stock market would drop a lot harder than it did post 9/11, and there might even be a run on the banks from the panic and fear of another nuclear exchange. One thing is certain....we live in interesting times.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #16

Your point about the impact on economy is well-taken. What makes our age different from previous ages in history is that the role of perceiption in our economic system. The sense of security, trust, and confidence are the foundation of many financial systems. Unfortunately, these can be easily shaken by drastic events like big war. Trillions dollars will evaporate not because of any real physical damage but shaken confidence. I think this is another important factor in Bush's war planning in addition to geopolitcs and military. Thing are more complicated than it used to. This glass tower of financial system should be protected from shock wave from the distance while US is waging a war. No easy task to accomplish.