Of course the rebuttal of Nyquist's theory (actually out of date Cold War geo-politics) is that both China and Russia sat on the sidelines when their interests in Iraq were virtually taken away from under their noses.
China is moving too much in the West's orbit and influence (as it seeks to gain Western technology) to be beholden to a primitive and unattractive theocratic Iran. Russia as it slips back into the 19C is too much of a basket case to be taken seriously.
China along with India are more likely to be transformed by Western influences through globalising pressures which will aid their march to become really great economic powers in the medium term.
Nyquist needs a good dose of the medicine he prescribes for others.
