[Machette]

Like I said in my argument, China under Mao was seen as a grave threat, literally, when I read certain books on the Cold War it outlines America believed that China was sometimes a larger threat than soviet russia. Mao said to his counterparts "We must rule the world" (From Mao:The Unknown Story, brilliant bio) When the Chinese launched their first nuclear missile in 1969 The U.S were in anger but over time the Chinese and Americans started to realize if they launched a nuclear weapon on each other the world would end, everyone is dead no one wins. That is the principle theory of MAD, and MAD saved us from the cold war. It's incredibly interesting stuff and many see the MAD theory working in Iran, if they realize the capabilities the nukes have they wouldn't possibly end the world. Think tanks believe the MAD theory could help Iran into talks with Israel because they would realize just how dangerous having these nukes are.

Some say it's far fetched but I totally agree with Freidman, he is a highly respected figure in his writing..he carries a very balanced judgement about the Middle East. cool: Just last week he wrote a piece about it being a mistake to cut off aid to Hamas.