It is evident that WW2 did not end but went in remission.The present line up and views being expressed by the leading countries go right back to 1939-1945.However there are a few changes on the European scene;France and Germany are together,and the UK seems have been lost to the Yanks.The dream of a United Europe is on the table again and I would hazard a guess the US knew about this at the time of the first Gulf War.It is not so much Iraq against a few nations but Europe 2003 against the US.It will be interesting who will side with who.Russia has a known history,as has Italy,Japan,Spain,India,Pakistan and China.Throw in N.Korea with their missile technology and the scene is set.Of course oil,the creator of our current wealth is at the centre as it was in WW1,WW2 and subsequent wars.I doubt a shot will be fired but the US has to have a physical presence to be part of the sharing out of the huge oil reserves.Hence the existence of an aircraft carrier fleet when few countries have one.Other countries with interest have a close geographical presence and must present a threat to the US due to their new influence in the region.The Airbus now outsells Boeing.It is reminiscent of the Spanish fleets that would sail off the coast of England in a threatening manner;chest beating and hoping to scare off traders.Iraq will be lucky to get a bit part in this show.It would be amusing to have a Franco/German UN force in Iraq with George's,Tony's and Johnny's fleet offshore.Russia would be writing new trade deals and China buys Iraq's total oil production.Is this the scenario Bush and Rumsfeld fear.
