Greatest Threats to US National Security

[USPatriot8320]

This is just something I came up with after reading/watching the news over a period of time.

Russia: I don't care what anyone says, the cold war is just on hold. Putin and the Kremlin have recently began to rebuild the once "great" Soviet Nation. In a stunning address over thanksgiving, Putin said the saddest event of the 20th century was the fall of the Soviet Union. Putin has pretty much begun to restore the iron fist in Russia, from taking away the voting right of the people to elect their governors, to arresting businessmen and now kicking out foreign think tanks. Russia also can not account for 50% or so of their nuclear arsenal. In the Kremlin, it's pretty much 1 party now. We shall wait and see where this goes, but don't be surprised if one day we are once again on the verge of the destruction with the "Soviets."

North Korea: Many leaders and guests of the most isolated nation on the planet have said Kim Jong II is a mad man. He's hell bent on obtaining nuclear weapons as a deterent to the west. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised of all the world leaders, Kim would be the most likely to nuke his neighbors, Hawaii and the west coast if he could. His nation is starving to death and he's continuing to lose grip on reality. Over the years, the North Korean people have become so indoctrinated, I doubt they could ever become a free people. They are a very proud people considering what's happening to them. Kim could easily rally the citizens against any invader. For this reason this nation is probably the #1 greatest threat.

Iran: While not suicidal and with the "President" slowly lossing his hold on dissidence, protests continue to occur sporadically. This nation according to reports have amassed a sizeable chunk of their military on the border with Iraq and on the coastline, this nation also, is fast approaching a nuclear weapon. If the Iranians are able to build a warhead capable of delivering a nuclear payload, they will not be able to hit the US mainland, however, any attack on our troops in Iraq or Israel would lead us directly to war with this country. We shall see where this goes. Outspoken, yes, suicidal, no.

Saudi Arabia: Our "allies" in the middle east. There have been widespread reports that the King is losing control of his country to terrorists. However, due to US presence in the kingdom and all throughout the middle east, the King has been able to maintain the status quo. However, unless a new fuel source is discovered to replace oil, a collapse of the Kingdom would have a massive effect on the US economy. If oil exports are suspended, it nots to far off to think gas would shoot up to $5-$7/gal.

Mexico: Due to the pretty much open border and our government not doing its job, the area along the US-Mexico border is fast becoming a small scale war. With residents taking up arms to protect it and states having to declare an emergency. This could eventually having a massive destablizing effect and could further ruin Mexico - US relations unless something is done.

Canada: The longest unprotected border in the world. Even after 9/11 the border with Canada is still largely unprotected, leaving 100 of miles open to anyone who would like to cross it. This nation and our own have not taken the proper steps to secure it, making it an easy crossing point for terrorists. In Washington and number of states that share this common border, it's not uncommon to find only a handfull of police and border patrol monitoring it.

Venezuela: The liberal leader of this country has continued his verbal attacks on the US and our President. Even threatening and stirring up his population to believe war is imminent with the US. It has yet to be known if his population is taking this seriously, but with the protest that followed President Bush durning the Latin America summitt, I assume it's safe to say that the population is taking to such remarks. The leader of this country has also aligned himself with Cuba and a number of other nations that have been deemed hostile towards the US. Let's face facts a war with Venezuela would last a mere days, however, the international reaction could have devestating effect on the US economy. Let's continue to hope our leaders brush this guy off.

China: Having one of the largest militaries in the world, this communist country also has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Thanks to capitalistic ideal's that is. However, with the continue growth of their economy, they are also expanding their military to unprecedented levels, telling US leaders not to worry. The secretary of Defense however has been outspoken to the military buildup and has tried to bring attention to it. This country also has been very outspoke as to their intentions with Taiwan. The US has remained one of Taiwans largests exporters of arms. Should China invade Taiwan, tensions between the US and China would surely collapse and possibly lead to war.

The World Overall: According to reports a few months ago, nations across the globe have begun a military buildup not seen since the beginning of World War II, what this means, well, only time will tell.

Feel free to debate me on any of these points or add your own. Also please note I've only identified nations that I've thought to have hostile intentions in the long run. There are a number of threats to our national security, so if you want to debate me please stick to nation to nation threats.

[Teenager]

Should China invade Taiwan, tensions between the US and China would surely collapse and possibly lead to war.

If China invades Taiwan, by golly I hope we take China down. They don't stand a chance if we have first shot.

[USPatriot8320]

It would most certainly go nuclear, and China does have the capable to reach well if not completely inside the mainland... Liberal cities or not, one of them whiped out and we're screwed. Not to mention the panic it would create and the economic downfall.

[Elgalad]

Feel free to debate me on any of these points or add your own. Also please note I've only identified nations that I've thought to have hostile intentions in the long run. There are a number of threats to our national security, so if you want to debate me please stick to nation to nation threats.
Your assessment of current and near future threats to American national security seems pretty accurate. I have nothing to add or detract from that, other than to posit a question about Chinese-American relations.

There is at least one other thread on this forum that dealt with a possible future conflict between the 'new superpowers' but rather than bring up the relative military strengths, I simply cannot understand why so many folks believe China has hostile intentions towards the USA and vice versa.

I'm not dismissing the problems we've had with China in the past regarding human rights issues, like Tiananmen Square, or the imprisonment of dissidents. Nor am I ignoring the clear and present dilemma presented by Taiwanese independence. But aside from these issues, I honestly can't see how our national interests truly conflict. Foreign Relations between China and the USA have for nearly All of American history been more positive than not, particularly prior to the Communist Revolution following World War II.

"Ah, but what about the Korean War?" You might ask.. It is true that Korea was definitely a major stumbling block between our nations, but looking at it objectively the argument could be strongly made that China acted Defensively in that war. The United Nations (led by the US) and ROK forces had the belligerent North Korean Army soundly defeated and pushed all the way back to and across the Chinese border. China had Not supported North Korea as an ally prior to that (it was actually the Soviet Union that had been arming and provoking Kim Il-Sung to action), but it was certainly not about to ignore such a significant threat to its sovereignty as a massive American led military force on its doorstep either. And the level of rhetoric at the time (particularly from Gen. Douglas McArthur) was such that it had no choice but to view the UN occupation of North Korea as a serious threat.

Following that war, relations between China and the US remained chilly, though never on the level of thinly veiled animosity as was the relationship with the Soviet Union. The last few decades however have seen gradually warming foreign affairs. I find it incredibly ironic that as our relationships with the nations of Europe are in decline (aside from Great Britain and the emerging Eastern European nations) our prospects with China have actually been improving. I have an acquaintance on another forum who strongly believes that the balance of global power in the not to distant future may find the USA and China as uneasy Allies in a new cold war pitted against the European Union tied to an Islamic Caliphate. I realize that sounds quite far fetched now.. but who could have predicted in 1970 that the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact would disintegrate and that Germany would reunify? Or that Europe would fall into such a Socialistic morass that they have already begun to see the United States (its erstwhile closest Ally) as a global opponent rather than partner? Or that China would begin to go the exact opposite route, embracing Capitalistic economic policies and loosening the State's tight-fisted grip on property? The world has certainly changed significantly in the last 30 years!

Now don't get me wrong, I am Not advocating openly embracing China as an equal trade partner, political or military Ally just yet. We must Not let down our guard, particularly when faced with the incredibly potent economic, military, and nuclear power China represents! But what I Am suggesting is that there is the potential, should we choose to pursue it, of building a strong bridge that will only Strengthen our future interests and success as a nation. Closing our borders and turning a blind eye to the rest of the world would be a Grave mistake in my opinion. We've tried that several times in the past, and ended up becoming embroiled regardless in several unavoidable, bloody, global conflicts. We were fortunate indeed to have had the industrial and financial ability to survive and win those wars. But the reality of the world today is that the United States no longer has the luxury to be an island; We are not the leader in industry or science, our educational standards are mediocre at best, we remain increasingly dependent on foreign imports particularly oil, and soon we will no longer even be the leader in wealth creation.

Americans, no matter What our political affiliation, are going to have to start getting used to the fact that we will not survive alone. We have a number of strong allies now.. but the world is dynamically changing and we must change with it, else we will end up just another footnote in the history books.


-Elgalad

[Republican_Legion]

Regarding Communist China , To HELL with the Communists !

I hate Communists.
I hate all of them stinking Cucarachas.
Why do I hate Communist Cucarachas so much ?

My Relatives/Ancestors in Eastern Germany in the region of Pomerania (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomerania) Were Forced out by those Russian Cucarachas in 1945 and they were never able to leave east germany until the fall of the berlin wall .
Were they nazis ? NO !
Some died from protesting against the Nazi Cucarachas.

The family farm was burned to the ground and the graves from my ancestors dating back to the 1500's were Destroyed and the land became Polish . My last name descends from a town in Pomerania called "Pargow" which my family changed it to Parge a hundred or so years ago .
Pargow itself is a Native Prussian name thus my ancestors were Originaly 100% Prussian until the Teutonic Knights(germans) Slaughterd most of the Prussians.

Cucarachas whether their Nazi or Communist they are all the same, they are scum and need to be stepped on and put in the trash . I Think of Communist China the same way i do of all Cucarachas . Damn the Cucarachas .

[USPatriot8320]

Thank you for the history lesson. Aside from the revolution in China, I really didn't know to much about their history. I doubt we'd ever go to war with China and I doubt they have hostile intentions toward us, however, if we ever did go to war with them, it would most likely be over Taiwan.

[Republican_Legion]

Thank you for the history lesson. Aside from the revolution in China, I really didn't know to much about their history. I doubt we'd ever go to war with China and I doubt they have hostile intentions toward us, however, if we ever did go to war with them, it would most likely be over Taiwan.

The Taiwanese have alot of pride of being seperate of China and being a Free country . Where there is democracy there is hope . With China the only hope is if the Communist Regime collapses . We might not need to go to war with china if the Rapid christian conversion consumes enough for some of Chinas elites to relax a bit . Christianity might be the antidote in destroying communism in china as it has spread fast thru out china .

[USPatriot8320]

Given the recent headlines; Russia has been upgraded to the single greatest nation threat to national security.

[CzechPrince]

Regarding Communist China , To HELL with the Communists !

I hate Communists.


Ha! Me too.

[Kathy29]

Someone was mentioning a radio interview they heard recently that falls right in line with this.

The US is being encircled by deadly enemies intent on our destruction. That circle is growing tighter and tighter and we have virtually no allies. The next world war could be us against just about everyone else, for no other reason than we have been head honcho for a long time and everyone is tired of it.

[Jim Sentry]

Putin needs to have an "accident". Then a more democratic leader will get Russia back on track.

[dcanner]

The constant and inevitable thread of Russian history is authoritarianism. It's part of the Russian psyche and they are comfortable with it--kind of a love-hate relationship.

[USPatriot8320]

While I'm all for the war on terrorism, we mustn't lose sight of the Nation threats that are still out there. Seems to me tho; that the war on terror is overshadowing all the other threats and that's dangerous...

[Kathy29]

The greatest threat to this nation is mexico. It is through that door that all other threats will come.

[USPatriot8320]

I agree 100% on that one... But even if we close the border with them, better word is seal the border... there's still Canada and the waters....

[USPatriot8320]

I don't really think there is any way to protect ourselves completely from threats.. Precautions help but there will always be threats against us..

[BuckeyeMike]

Greatest threat to our national security? IMO- Our own U.S. Government. Neither party has any intention of protecting this country....the southern border is a shining example of this......the preferential treatment of foreigners to the detriment and even exclusion of American citizens is another.......refusing to extricate ourselves from the UeffenN and kicking their corrupt useless asses off of this continent is another.......I am of the impression that our most benevolent government will not be content until we are dragged down to as near a Third World stature as possible and that we will then beg to join the New World Order. If The Bitch happens to occupy the oval office, I will then be assured that I am correct.

[DoctorDoom]

Our greatest internal threat is the hyperleftist MSM. The media have as much as announced themselves to be enemies of the state. They are monomaniacally obsessed with destroying President Bush, his administration, and the GOP. They will gladly sell out America to its foreign enemies to accomplish it.

When the New York Times commits treason on its front page by revealing intelligence secrets, and the sons of bitches are still free, we're in deep trouble. When the "news" media lie about, distort and censor events to depict America as the enemy of the world, and those responsible are not lined up against a wall and shot, we've sold our national soul. When our fighting forces are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan because our media are cold-bloodedly giving the terrorists aid, comfort and moral support, and they are free to continue their treachery unchecked, we might as well turn out the lights and wait for the end. When our legislators turn themselves into PR shills for al Qaeda, Hamas and the other Islamic terror machines, how long will it be before the star-and-crescent flag flies over DC?

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear."
-- Marcus Tullius Cicero 42 B.C

[Wolfcounsel]

"If China invades Taiwan, by golly I hope we take China down. They don't stand a chance if we have first shot." --Teenager

Even with a head start, China doesn't stand a chance against us. Any defenders of China's prowess and might out there, please continue to puff up their egos. Annihilation goes a lot better with a mind pumped up with foolish pride. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[omegatrump]

Thank you for the history lesson. Aside from the revolution in China, I really didn't know to much about their history. I doubt we'd ever go to war with China and I doubt they have hostile intentions toward us, however, if we ever did go to war with them, it would most likely be over Taiwan.

I believe we will go to war with China, in defence of Taiwan. It will be brief as the Russians will attack the Us and seek to nutrilize our Nuclear response capabilities.

Right this minute the Russians are using the middle east terrorist escalation to their advantage. They (the Russians) have their fingerprints all over the Nuclear threat coming from Iran, as they did in Iraq (WMD's) before our invasion. China is using North Korea in the same way. While China may not attack the US directly, we will be forced to respond on the Taiwan issue. My guess is that this will come when we are sufficiently bogged down with more police action.

It is to Russia's advantage to help arm the Terrorist nations, as it is now the hook that has drawn the US into the trap.

Russia is standing by, and the Americans think they are fighting terrorist.