[gundog]

... the hawks see Washington's preoccupation with the war on terrorism -- particularly the imminent strike on Iraq -- as a "golden opportunity not to be missed."

This has been in the back of my mind for quite some time; would we be able to defend Taiwan with troops commited in the Middle East? The Clinton legacy rolls on.

[mitchbert]

Equally importantly, the hawks see Washington's preoccupation with the war on terrorism -- particularly the imminent strike on Iraq -- as a "golden opportunity not to be missed."

I opined this scenario to some friends on Sept 12 last year and they treated me like I was nuts. I put nothing past China. Nothing.

[ckilmer]

If all they mean to do is "give a demonstration" I think that the Chinese generals have over rated themselves. All they'll manage to do is stink up the region with their arrogance.

If they attempt more than that, then they'll be in deep do do.

[CPT Clay]

Thanks Clinton. If not for your lust for Bernie Schwartz's campaign contributions, we wouldn't be in this mess.

[tet68]

.. the hawks see Washington's preoccupation with the war on terrorism -- particularly the imminent strike on Iraq -- as a "golden opportunity not to be missed."

I tend to see this as a major mistake on their part. "Lets take this "golden opportunity" while they aren't looking." ( all while the US. is ramping up it's military and moving logistical support around the world and getting better at it with each passing hour.)

Stupid. But then thats why they are communists.

[ASA Vet]

would we be able to defend Taiwan

Yes. All it would take is one SSBN.
The real question is do we have the will.