Britain is now biggest security threat to US

[beer and loathing]

I found this to be an interesting read, yet it seems a tad bit alarmist.


Telegraph, London
Britain 'is now biggest security threat to US'
By Francis Harris in Washington

(Filed: 29/08/2006)

Britain now presents a greater security threat to the United States than Iran or Iraq, an American magazine said yesterday.

In an article on Islamists headlined "Kashmir on the Thames", the New Republic painted Britain's Muslim communities as a breeding ground for violent extremism.

Citing recent opinion poll evidence suggesting that one in four British Muslims believed that last year's London Tube bombings were justified, the magazine said: "In the wake of this month's high-profile arrests, it can now be argued that the biggest threat to US security emanates not from Iran or Iraq or Afghanistan, but rather from Great Britain, our closest ally."

The magazine, with a circulation of 60,000-a-week, has its roots on the Democratic Left although in recent years it has backed much of President George W Bush's foreign policy. The claim is the latest in a series of hostile reassessment of Britain by Americans in the wake of the alleged plot to bring down transatlantic airliners.

Many have been appalled both by the existence of enthusiastic jihadis in British cities and by the call from some of their leaders for a change in the country's foreign policy.

Other publications and the think-tanks that shape public debate in America have also issued stern criticism both of Britain's Muslims and of the Government. Nile Gardiner, of the Right-wing Heritage Foundation, told The Daily Telegraph yesterday that Americans were coming to view Britain as "a hornet's nest of Islamic extremists" and thought it posed ''a direct security threat to the US".

He said that if British-based terrorism continues, America is likely to respond harshly.

"A major concern would be the tightening of travel restrictions unless the authorities start to crack down on Islamist militancy," he said. More than four million Britons enter America annually using the visa waiver programme. Any change would force Britons wishing to visit the US into lengthy queues at American diplomatic missions.

Mr Gardiner said the issue had not yet acquired a head of steam in Congress, but that another plot, or a "successful" attack by British Muslims on an American target, would be likely to spur an immediate response.

Investor's Business Daily has already demanded an end to the programme because it "allows Pakistani Britons to dodge security background checks".

Much of the outraged American response this month was sparked by the call from Muslim leaders for a change in British foreign policy. The letter from six Muslim MPs and 38 community leaders said "current British Government policy risks putting civilians at increased risk both in the UK and abroad".

The theme was taken up by the Wall Street Journal, which said: "It is typical of some of Britain's so-called moderate Muslims, who seem less concerned with fighting extremists in their midst than in excusing them."

The newspaper went on to attack Tony Blair's government for "cultivating and promoting such pseudo-moderate Muslim organisations". The BBC and the Foreign Office, described as "a preserve of Arabists", were also lambasted both for quoting extremists and allowing them into Britain.

[magnetmaz]

Bomb their tea-drinking asses! Do it, Dubya!

[Blue Blood]

Another once great western nation going the way of the savage,third-world toilet.
Ahh,multiculturalism.

[WH Jay]

The sad thing is that its probably true....
A lot of that article makes sense and I heard that the visa waiver thing is probably going to happen...
They should just make the few who fit the profile apply...a family of four going to Disneyland, a seventy year old woman visiting her son in New York or five Asian guys in big coats on a hot summers day...who should you check stringently....go figure...?
A lot of people over here are against British foreign policy but when does the government ever listen to the people...?
The BBC though is a fucking joke...when Aafat died the woman covering the funeral for the BBC started crying as she did a little resume of his life....ha ha ha...impartial BBC as usual...

[magnetmaz]

You guys were all about Crusades back in the day. What gives?

[circlestorm]

The country is turning into a fucking joke,its racist to say anything aganist them and oh so fucking PC types make everyone who feels differently feel bad. I just don't understand why they have to tar the rest of the british population with their shit?

This is why i'm getting out of here as soon as i can,had a shit year in this country and too many bad memories and my dads firm thats been here for thirty years is being forced out by a coaltion of people who haven't worked for shit and just buy properties and we havent got the cash to resist.

[WH Jay]

You guys were all about Crusades back in the day. What gives?

But since then we've had the T.E.Lawrence escapades and the creation of Israel by predominantly British backing....a mess...
You can take our tea but you'll never take our cucumber sandwiches...!

[terrormachine]

Sounds like there's only one solution for Britain...hmmm...wonder what is it?

[Martina]

Another once great western nation going the way of the savage,third-world toilet.
Ahh,multiculturalism.

Muslim unrest isn't uncommon in any civilized nation. Look at Holland, France and Canada as other examples.
I can forsee a few more acts from disenchanted muslim youth before the interment camps start up.

[terrormachine]

Muslim unrest isn't uncommon in any civilized nation. Look at Holland, France and Canada as other examples.
I can forsee a few more acts from disenchanted muslim youth before the interment camps start up.

I've already applied for a job at the interment camp.....but they said I was over qualified.

[Verv]

It really does make sense. I also believe that the ability of Britains to enter the US on visas is far higher, and the ability to generate larger incomes, aid foreign Jihadis in getting into western states, etc.

It does register.

A guy in Afghanistan does not have a lot of the resources necessary to go to the US due to average income levels, but even poor people in Britain with an amount of determination can enter the US, generally suspicion free.

[LeftWingScum]

Britain now presents a greater security threat to the United States than Iran or Iraq, an American magazine said yesterday.

anyone who's been paying attention knew britain was a greater threat than iraq or iran for years now. the tauntaun from star wars was and is more of a threat.

[Acari Rotter]

Bomb them! The Canadians have been bombed enough recently anyway.

[E4 jon]

It really does make sense. I also believe that the ability of Britains to enter the US on visas is far higher, and the ability to generate larger incomes, aid foreign Jihadis in getting into western states, etc.

It does register.

A guy in Afghanistan does not have a lot of the resources necessary to go to the US due to average income levels, but even poor people in Britain with an amount of determination can enter the US, generally suspicion free.

Ah yes, it reminds me of how easy it was for all those 'freedom fighters' from the Emerald Isle to enter the USA to collect that cash to buy bombs and blow up us Londoners. Ah yes, I remember the furore of the American Press when all that was happening.

[E4 jon]

Oh, the citizens of Qatar might have call to say that the greatest threat to their security is The USA (an ally by the way).
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16397937&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=exclusive--bush-plot-to-bomb-his-arab-ally-name_page.html

[Oz.]

Ah yes, it reminds me of how easy it was for all those 'freedom fighters' from the Emerald Isle to enter the USA to collect that cash to buy bombs and blow up us Londoners. Ah yes, I remember the furore of the American Press when all that was happening.
Let's not get too testy Osama bin Limey. We got your number...:tongue:

[E4 jon]

Let's not get too testy Osama bin Limey. We got your number...:tongue:

People on here who know me, know my politics, my religion, know my alleigances when it comes to Northern Ireland rightfully rejoining the southern counties. The example was to highlight the laughable hypocricy of double standards.

There are plenty of people who subscribe to the theory that the current crop of terrorism is the cause soley of George W Bush. They may believe that the USA is the biggest threat to their national security and of other countries worldwide, but then isn't that what the terrorists want people to think? Does this latest outpouring of paranoia not do exactly the same thing and achieve the goals of the terrorists?

I agree that border security is important and I have had to apply for a US entry Visa in the past. No big deal to do it again if that is what is required.

I have no problem with the basis of the original argument, just the fucking blah blah that goes with it.

[Oz.]

People on here who know me, know my politics, my religion, know my alleigances when it comes to Northern Ireland rightfully rejoining the southern counties. The example was to highlight the laughable hypocricy of double standards.

There are plenty of people who subscribe to the theory that the current crop of terrorism is the cause soley of George W Bush. They may believe that the USA is the biggest threat to their national security and of other countries worldwide, but then isn't that what the terrorists want people to think? Does this latest outpouring of paranoia not do exactly the same thing and achieve the goals of the terrorists?

I agree that border security is important and I have had to apply for a US entry Visa in the past. No big deal to do it again if that is what is required.

I have no problem with the basis of the original argument, just the fucking blah blah that goes with it.
Yeah mate I remember you. Was taking the piss:wink: . I just find it hilarious the US feels in a position to be paranoid about one of its few remaining allies...

[E4 jon]

Yeah mate I remember you. Was taking the piss:wink: . I just find it hilarious the US feels in a position to be paranoid about one of its few remaining allies...

The US has plenty of allies. Most are just too paranoid themselves to stand up and be counted.

[Hostilesouthern]

Yeah mate I remember you. Was taking the piss:wink: . I just find it hilarious the US feels in a position to be paranoid about one of its few remaining allies...


One article does not reflect our collective feelings on our allies.

[Blue Blood]

Muslim unrest isn't uncommon in any civilized nation. Look at Holland, France and Canada as other examples.
I can forsee a few more acts from disenchanted muslim youth before the interment camps start up.

Not only should we round up third world savages in all western countries,we should hold public executions for the people who would have us believe we are all equal.

[Hostilesouthern]

Personally, I do not wish to see camps set up. I want us to have AMERICAN Muslims putting AMERICA first and turning in shitbags within their own communities. You want to be here and are able to contribute, well cool, I welcome you. Once you are here, you better put America first or get out. Or we'll kick your ass out.

This is just one more reason we need to shut down the borders. We could cut down on the security waits in the airports for domestic flights after a few months of hardcore screenings and focus on international flights primarily. Save us all some time and money.

[Acari Rotter]

The US has plenty of allies. Most are just too paranoid themselves to stand up and be counted.

Yeah, they forgot Poland.

[Bound Fo' Glory]

Sounds like there's only one solution for Britain...hmmm...wonder what is it?
White Power! 1! 2! 3! 4!

[Oz.]

One article does not reflect our collective feelings on our allies.
Fair enough. I was just explaining the logic behind an off-joke because E4 seemed to get his panties in a twist. I wasn't referring to you personally either, just the authors of the article. Relax.

[Hostilesouthern]

Fair enough. I was just explaining the logic behind an off-joke because E4 seemed to get his panties in a twist. I wasn't referring to you personally either, just the authors of the article. Relax.


Did not think I came off as anything more than conversational. Sorry, I just do not do smiley faces.

[Oz.]

Did not think I came off as anything more than conversational. Sorry, I just do not do smiley faces.
My bad.

[Scooter]

The artical does make some interesting points

[WBC]

but all these immigrants are needed.... big business needs its flow of cheap labour... all you have to do is ignore the erosion of society, the widespread discontent amongst the people who fought for and built the country etc. etc.... what do you expect from Blair..... heres a man, and I use the term in the loosest sense, who lied through his fucking teeth to get Britain involved in Iraq so he could ingratiate himself with Bush, and by association, American business.... then he sells off the countries assets to parasites claiming its in the name of the free market and 'competition'..... and so what, a few people die in Iraq.... thats what the working class are for.... cannon fodder... so long as they have low paid immigrant workers to scare those snot-nosed native proles into accepting lower wages and shite working conditions who cares? its all in the best interests of the market.... so what if thye muslims are planning their own wee jihad.... so long as the cheap labour keeps on comin and we dont offend anyone.... haha... all those antis portraying anti-immigration people as nazis, their biggest contribution is to the cause of big business.... dumbasses

funny thing is that Blair, by overseeing the selling off and price-hikes in electricity, fuel.... by allowing the NHS to fall apart under the weight of market forces, and by turning a blind eye to foreign companies poisoning our water and air, has killed way more people than the muslims could ever hope to... he has a score they will have to work for decades to match.... old people die in cold homes where they cant afford oil, or die on gurneys in opvercrowded hospitals.... the same old folks who themselves, or their husbands, fought during WW2.... this is how much Blair cares...

the Blair government has no authority to rule.... and in a civilised society they would be hung in the streets......

[saccage]

but all these immigrants are needed.... big business needs its flow of cheap labour... all you have to do is ignore the erosion of society, the widespread discontent amongst the people who fought for and built the country etc. etc.... what do you expect from Blair..... heres a man, and I use the term in the loosest sense, who lied through his fucking teeth to get Britain involved in Iraq so he could ingratiate himself with Bush, and by association, American business.... then he sells off the countries assets to parasites claiming its in the name of the free market and 'competition'..... and so what, a few people die in Iraq.... thats what the working class are for.... cannon fodder... so long as they have low paid immigrant workers to scare those snot-nosed native proles into accepting lower wages and shite working conditions who cares? its all in the best interests of the market.... so what if thye muslims are planning their own wee jihad.... so long as the cheap labour keeps on comin and we dont offend anyone.... haha... all those antis portraying anti-immigration people as nazis, their biggest contribution is to the cause of big business.... dumbasses

funny thing is that Blair, by overseeing the selling off and price-hikes in electricity, fuel.... by allowing the NHS to fall apart under the weight of market forces, and by turning a blind eye to foreign companies poisoning our water and air, has killed way more people than the muslims could ever hope to... he has a score they will have to work for decades to match.... old people die in cold homes where they cant afford oil, or die on gurneys in opvercrowded hospitals.... the same old folks who themselves, or their husbands, fought during WW2.... this is how much Blair cares...

the Blair government has no authority to rule.... and in a civilised society they would be hung in the streets......

Careful, Chris. Your NS shades are showing through again... :wink: :eek:

[WBC]

Careful, Chris. Your NS shades are showing through again... :wink: :eek:
ha... I'm just a good old fashioned Irish seditionist.....

[saccage]

ha... I'm just a good old fashioned Irish .....

'Nuff said, right there... :wink:

[WBC]

'Nuff said, right there... :wink:
haha..... true....

[ienjoybeer]

I probably won't get away alive with this comment, but here I go :cool: :


I don't think the biggest problem is the Britain, or the middle easter war...by a long shot. It's a separate ideological battle that definitely needs to be taken seriously...but, I don't think we are going at it the right way.
I believe that the middle east war is a proxy war between us and China over who's going to have saudi & non-arab oil interests in the ME.
Looking at the facts: Iran and China have had mutual interests and strategic alliances with eachother, Russia, Venezuela, and North Korea to name a few. We currently consume most of the world's oil supply, with China in a very close second. China's economy shows few signs of stopping, and it "needs" more oil. Car ownership levels are increasing, and industrialization has increased dramatically. Russia and China have been building alliances, and our policy of isolationg Russia (or isolating ourselves, i'm not all that sure which at this point) by trying to induct it's soviet satelite nations into EU or NATO is pissing Russia off enough that Putin has started rolling back democratic reforms there. Turkmenistani oil (among others) has been of particular interest to China for some time now, and Russia holds cultural ties....but, anyway, without digressing from the point here...
There has been an elephant in the living room with regards to the US and China. I personally don't feel it's all that unlikely that (through Iran) China has been stirring up the middle eastern shit pot to get us implicated economically and militarily into a bad situation, while it continues to build it's own military to incredible proportions. It's no secret that they need to build a store of energy for their burgeoning economy. They are set to surpass us, economically, if they can get enough energy resources to fuel their infrastructure. They've been vying for world superpower, and I don't believe their aspirations are that incredible...as they seem to be slowly inching past.
I personally feel that, while it's not a direct threat in the way of China or Russia becoming a realistic example of the Weimar Scenario (at least yet)...they have a stranglehold on our "victory" in the middle east. Because as long as they refuse to sanction Iran (which they have said they will)...Iran will continue to be a stronghold for terrorist type factions.... You've got to cut off the source to stop the flow. I just think that the big guys upstairs know that the moment they utter China's name...they will be implicated in a conflict that they may not be able to squirm out of. It's almost like they are stuck fighting the middle east war to try and stop China, instead of worsening the fragile situation by calling them out. This is where I believe people take Bush the wrong way (I still think he's an idiot, but he's treading on thin ice...and he's doing an alright job with this).
It's almost as if the cold war never really ended...just came to a recess, and now it's back again. Oil prices have improved Russia's economy, and there seems to be more animosity everyday. KGB Putin and Gorbachev have recently touted the fact that if they wanted to, they could attack the US. And, the US has had been quietly (but, visibly) reacting to everything.

I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but I'm an INR/ Journalism major...and I've been following it since 04'..... I don't want to be flamed for this, I'm not declaring the world's end....I'm just presenting a possibility. Try to keep an open mind..

[Hostilesouthern]

Now this is a very well thought out post, and I agree.

Oh goodie, new smart people in Politics!

[ienjoybeer]

Now this is a very well thought out post, and I agree.

Oh goodie, new smart people in Politics!


:biggrin: I'm a nerd for politics.

[Hostilesouthern]

:biggrin: I'm a nerd for politics.


Me too.

So back to China, their economy is on a rolling boom, buuuut they are not taking into account the looming inflation that comes with such unbridled financial advances. Plus, 1/3 of their water is undrinkable because of zero enviro regulations, etc.

China owns too much of our debt as well, that scares the shit outta me.

[ienjoybeer]

Me too.

So back to China, their economy is on a rolling boom, buuuut they are not taking into account the looming inflation that comes with such unbridled financial advances. Plus, 1/3 of their water is undrinkable because of zero enviro regulations, etc.

China owns too much of our debt as well, that scares the shit outta me.


Japan owns more...which isn't really a big relief or anything, but, at least they are allies. China AND Russia are not without their own achilles heels. China has a pretty big group of dissidents...and Russia has a huge population problem. Both have looming inflationary issues and a LOT of poverty problems. Russia has a huge income gap. I hope to see the US exploit that (god that sounds bad...lol) . I just don't think that everyone is in tune enough in our government to orchestrate a sound plan.
I just thought it was really weird that the government was acting the way it was. I figured there had to be something going on. And, now I understand they're running around, set aflame by the seat of their pants.
I never understood Clinton's inability to let go of the Cold War, but now I understand. And, Bush's zeal over "finishing" the war in the middle east...I think it's a reaction to what's going on...but, they're trying to keep the China Russia issue hush hush. As, I think it would piss them off and scare the crap out of our whole nation.
I'm still not sure what Iraq had to do with it (maybe it was just a foothole, which is sad)....
We're pissing all over ourselves by not dealing with it head on. I think that once the situation was exposed, we would have alot more support from the rest of the world. But, then again...I'm not in the oval office seat.

[ienjoybeer]

Japan owns more...which isn't really a big relief or anything, but, at least they are allies. China AND Russia are not without their own achilles heels. China has a pretty big group of dissidents...and Russia has a huge population problem. Both have looming inflationary issues and a LOT of poverty problems. Russia has a huge income gap. I hope to see the US exploit that (god that sounds bad...lol) . I just don't think that everyone is in tune enough in our government to orchestrate a sound plan.
I just thought it was really weird that the government was acting the way it was. I figured there had to be something going on. And, now I understand they're running around, set aflame by the seat of their pants.
I never understood Clinton's inability to let go of the Cold War, but now I understand. And, Bush's zeal over "finishing" the war in the middle east...I think it's a reaction to what's going on...but, they're trying to keep the China Russia issue hush hush. As, I think it would piss them off and scare the crap out of our whole nation.
I'm still not sure what Iraq had to do with it (maybe it was just a foothole, which is sad)....
We're pissing all over ourselves by not dealing with it head on. I think that once the situation was exposed, we would have alot more support from the rest of the world. But, then again...I'm not in the oval office seat.

But, then again there's the question of whether or not we will go quietly or summon, once again, the gods of the cold war.....

[Hostilesouthern]

But, then again there's the question of whether or not we will go quietly or summon, once again, the gods of the cold war.....


Bush is too much of a pussy to do what is needed, and this admins. working around the actual problem by trying to take on "easier" targets. I'm still not sure how Iraq factors in either, other than we need the oil.

God damnit, revive Reagan!!!

On Japan, not entirely related, US would do well to relieve the 1947 edict and give them back their war rights. We cuold save ourselves, and them, so much bullshit with N. Korea and China if Japan had a strong armed presence. Right now, they are at the mercy of those two and sadly, the US.

[ienjoybeer]

Bush is too much of a pussy to do what is needed, and this admins. working around the actual problem by trying to take on "easier" targets. I'm still not sure how Iraq factors in either, other than we need the oil.

God damnit, revive Reagan!!!

On Japan, not entirely related, US would do well to relieve the 1947 edict and give them back their war rights. We cuold save ourselves, and them, so much bullshit with N. Korea and China if Japan had a strong armed presence. Right now, they are at the mercy of those two and sadly, the US.



Yeah, one of my boyfriend's pal's flew in from Japan (to see baseball games...bwhaha) and we were discussing that. He said that Japan as a nation isn't prepared to be an armed country again. We would have to help implement it...and it would take a huge campaign (an a lot of fist-fighting in the Japanese congress (that shit is so funny). But, until then...China and N. Korea are going to continue to infiltrate their waters without permission (looking for oil, I suspect)...,commit assaults on Japanese ships, and condemn them, economically.

And, yeah...Bush is a pussy...but, I don't think that's why we haven't said anything yet. I know he wasn't well prepared when he stepped into office. Clinton didn't exactly try to help him (although, now he's all over it).
But, then again...what do you do when a decision like that needs to be made? It will have a profound effect on the whole world. Sadly, I imagine it will probably take something in the vein of the Cuban Missile Crisis to get something done about it...

I think Bush's biggest downfall is playing the media punditry game. I think that instead of dazzling everyone with Osama Bin Ladin mugshots...he should have made sure the whitehouse had more objective media coverage. He set everyone off in the wrong direction, which was a huge mistake. Hardly anyone has a clue that China and Russia are the big problem...they think it's a bunch of habeebs hiding in holes on the Pakistani border.

I think he's holding off until his term is over, so he can pass the buck.

[Hostilesouthern]

I think he's holding off until his term is over, so he can pass the buck.


That's been happening since Bush 1 took office. Now the whole planet is acting like this is a new situation.

[ienjoybeer]

That's been happening since Bush 1 took office. Now the whole planet is acting like this is a new situation.


Good to see you're not a sensationalist like most everyone else. I do think that the broken record started before Bushie poo the first, though. Reagan wanted to move foreward and end the BS...but, continued to implement legislature and military infrastructure to defend against the whole thing. I imagine that as long as we are #1... in the economic and foreign policy spheres...we'll always have these quiet struggles to stay on top. Being the top performing nation does not go without consequence. But, after fully realizing our position in the scheme of things...I'm starting to feel worried. There's another post about the axis of evil fest going on in Cuba...with all the world leaders from volatile, poorly controlled nations that don't necessarily like the US. I think they want to wipe us out this time... I hope we get onboard with this shit before things start boiling over. We'll be making a huge mistake otherwise.
We need a president that has big hairy balls....not mincy little faggot ones.... None of the supposed candidates are looking too good right now... I want someone with a hardline (but sensible) record on war, a diplomat...that can feed someone shit and make them come back for more....I don't see that in any of these guys... :cool:

[Hostilesouthern]

I do not see any promising faces in the GOP either, most cetainly not in the Democrats. I suppose we'll see in Nov who is going to be the front runner. A third party face would be nice if any third party had these oh-so-necessary balls and a sound platform. So far.....zero.

[ienjoybeer]

I do not see any promising faces in the GOP either, most cetainly not in the Democrats. I suppose we'll see in Nov who is going to be the front runner. A third party face would be nice if any third party had these oh-so-necessary balls and a sound platform. So far.....zero.

I totally wish that there was a third party runner, an independent. We need a break from partisan governing.... It's a bunch of childish garbage. When I was younger, I used to think that the more liberal the better...now, I'm wishing for a right wing, sweet talking, mindful warhawk with moderate sociopolitical views.....oh how times change...

[Hostilesouthern]

I totally wish that there was a third party runner, an independent. We need a break from partisan governing.... It's a bunch of childish garbage. When I was younger, I used to think that the more liberal the better...now, I'm wishing for a right wing, sweet talking, mindful warhawk with moderate sociopolitical views.....oh how times change...

Liberals are not even liberals any longer and the conservative movement has been co-opted by social issue freaks.

Barry Goldwater is no more, if you are able to fine a suitable replacement....

Seriously, 2008 scares me. A whole lot.

[ienjoybeer]

Liberals are not even liberals any longer and the conservative movement has been co-opted by social issue freaks.

Barry Goldwater is no more, if you are able to fine a suitable replacement....

Seriously, 2008 scares me. A whole lot.


I hear ya.... I've been practicing at the shooting range...:biggrin: If we don't have some reasonable governmental representation...then we're gonna have to make use of ourselves to defend the constitution against all the corrupt garbage that it has fallen into.
People sort of forget that the constitution wasn't written to protect us from foreign entities. It was written to protect us from ourselves and eachother....
Let those commie bastards come here... the people of our country may be sitting ducks right now...but, if things ever get heated, I know I can count on our country to git-r-done....bad leadership or not.
On the converse...things could all come tumbling down. I stay away from predictions...I'm too fatalistic...

:edit: social issue freaks piss me off.....but economic issue freaks and big business proponents piss me off even more. I'm all for small business economies...and the dismantling of the PC nation.

[E4 jon]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There are problems closer to your doorstep. Chavez, The China oil grab from South America, economic beholdence to 2nd and 3rd world countries. These are today's problem issues that will become tomorrow's economic Al-Queda.