Extending my predictions to woolgathering: A scenario for WWIII

So, this is an extension of my crystal ball post below. Here is what I believe is the problem:

A regional general war between most oil producing states in the middle east is possible, if not probable, as a result of the impending failure of the Iraqi state.

Here are the compounding issues:

South America, including many oil producing states in that region, is experiencing a wave of radical anti-americanism. China is in the middle of a dynamic 'government managed' economic boom (fueld by coal and, of course, Oil). The nature of their boom leads to inherent instability, especially in the face of their autocratic government rife with internal power struggles. IE- should that boom falter, (even more) hardline or radical elements of their government might take over. Compound this with the fact that China has largely replaced Communism with Nationalism as the 'Founding Myth' of the chinese state. And like every good Founding Myth and like every good Nationalist movement- there has to be a grendel... A boogeyman... And America has filled the role for most chinese citizens and for the Autocratic Chinese government.

Now, If the middle east goes belly up and oil exports drop dramatically, that could destabalize china by poping their unmaintainable artificailly government-fueled economic growth bubble. If they land hard- expect civil strife and a governmental shakeout. Given the climate in China (Nationalism, Militarism and America as the BoogeyMan), don't expect the middle kingdom to quietly and peacefully flounder. They could quite possibly reach out and politically or militarily take control of oil-rich regions in thier area- like central asia or sibera. If they reach into siberia, don't expect Russia to sit still for that.

Meanwhile, South america would be the only 'safe' source for oil for america, but contrast that with the rabid anti-americanism flowering in the region, as well as the proven capacity for states in that region to act against their demonstrated economic self-interest (Chavez, for example).

What will america do? Do you think after the last 5 years of pissing on NATO and our european allies that Europe will team up with us and hlep us out?

What I believe we must do in Iraq is to change our goals: Eventual peaceful settlement of the Iraqi Civil War and the exclusion of other regional powers from taking control of the former Iraqi state and oil. This means an indefinite scaled-up US military presence, regardless of the cost. Enact a national draft if we have to- but Keep iraq from spiriling out of control at all costs.

Our current civilian military leadership is clueless, idiotic and absolutely blind to the realities of regional or global politics. I frankly suggest impeachment of the President and Vice President as a move to protect our national intersts and our future. I know that won't happen- but I don't think these idiots have what it takes to keep Iraq from complete genocidal disintigration no matter what resources they are given.

Domestically, a crash program to get us off foreign oil as fast as possible, by any means necessary. Alternative fuels, nuclear, solar, whatever- if we can get off foreign oil in 10 years (yeah, I know, absurd- I agree... I don't think it will happen) then we can at least stay neutral if the rest of the developed world goes straight to hell.

I know, my solutions are unworkable, and my scenario is arguable. However- it is possible, and if it comes to pass then I don't think our economy can weather the storm... And our whole strategy of war fighting is pegged on us possessing superior economic and technological global position. If we can't maintain that, then we are stuck in a 'slug fest'. If we are in that regime, then we can not hope to win a conventional war with China... And any nuclear exchange is guranteed loss for all sides, and the civilizations of the world.