America's decline would set in motion tectonic shifts undermining the political stability of the entire Middle East.

Missing from much of the public debate is discussion of the simple fact that lurking behind every terroristic act is a specific political antecedent. That does not justify either the perpetrator or his political cause. Nonetheless, the fact is that almost all terrorist activity originates from some political conflict and is sustained by it as well.

War triggers unforeseeable military dynamics and sets off massive political shocks, creating new problems as well as new opportunities.

Political Quotes