It's time for the U.S to give peace a chance.

"what the hell are talking about boy?? Don't you know those terrorists are gonna kick down our doors and chop our heads off at any minute!?!?"

Without expounding further on the fact that you have a much higher chance of dying in a car accident or a heart attack from eating too much high calorie junk than you do from getting killed in a terrorist attack, let's look at the current U.S situation on the world stage. Namely, let's look at all the current ongoing and potential conflicts looming on the horizon:

1) Russia- there's been tough talk about reigning Russia in. However, since they are a net exporter of energy to Europe and could shut off the spigot if they wanted, it's highly doubtful that European members of NATO will commit to anything more than tough talk. This means if the U.S truly decides to do something about Russia bullying it's new-found Eastern European allies, it'll probably have to carry out any military action largely on it's own.

2) China- keep growing their military and are in direct competition with U.S interests for energy and resources across the globe. While it's debatable if they'd ever get into a shooting war directly with the U.S, they definitely won't be helping and have the capacity to make life miserable without firing a single shot. All they have to do is unload their massive stock of U.S Treasury's that they've purchased and suddenly the value of the U.S dollar will plummet. Additionally, all they have to do is wait for the U.S to get itself committed to too many military actions across the globe and they can then step in and take what they want in other theatres (they could decide to pay a visit to Taiwan, for example)

3) Afghanistan- since "winning" the war in Afghanistan almost 7 years ago the Taliban have demonstrated their complete incompetency and desperation by conducting increasingly succesful attacks against coalition forces in country. So much so that the U.S is transferring another combat brigade and there are calls for as many as 4 more  brigades needed. Considering the length and nature of this conflict, and the fact that the insurgents in country are very used to this kind of long, drawn out warfare, this definitely isn't going to be over anytime soon.

4) Pakistan- heavily linked to the situation in Afghanistan thanks to their long porous border and tribes that inhabit the area. However, Pakistan's 600,000 strong army has been issued orders to open fire on any U.S forces that cross the border without first requesting and being granted entrance. On sunday Pakistani forces fired on 2 U.S helicopters forcing them to turn back. There are rumours of several other engagements previous to this which have been officially denied. Also, there are serious concerns about the nation's internal stability. Several analysts have raised the warning bell that there is a good chance within a year or two a civil war in Pakistan could erupt, best case scenario they would be temporarily removed as an "ally" of the U.S until the conflict is over, worst case scenario after such a civil war the country ends up being in the hands of staunchly anti-U.S folks. Regardless, another area that could require significant U.S military commitments and support in the near future.

5) Iran- Always a thorn in the side of the U.S. Rumours have it that Israel could be planning it's own military action if the U.S gets cold feet considering all it's other current miltary commitments. In theory, such an action would be along the same lines as the bombing of the Osirak reactor in Iraq only on a much, much larger scale involving a massive air campaign aimed at not only removing Iran's nuclear capabilities but also much of it's conventional military capacity as well. Any military action here whether by the U.S or it's allies is a big question as to how bad the fallout would be. If even only a fraction of Iran's rockets survive they'll be able to shut down shipping out of the straits of Hormuz and strike multiple U.S bases and installations in the middleast, which they've stated they will do if they are attacked. Also Iran, geopolitically is far more aligned to the Russia and China camp than it is to the U.S/European camp. Further significant rammifications could involve military confrontation with Russia considering the current strained relations with the U.S.

6) Iraq- One spot of 'good' news for the U.S is that things have calmed down considerably in comparison to the attacks and casualties incurred previously. However, there are still approximately 130,000 U.S forces in country and even after the full drawdown there will be a permanent U.S presence of at least 20,000-30,000 troops in several mega-bases across the country. While things look to have settled down somewhat, any military action in Iran could spark any number of possible uprisings by the Shia majority, and there is always the possibility that sectarian fighting could break out at some point in the future between the armed Sunni and Shia factions that are currently playing nice. Also, keep in mind that several years of troop rotations through Iraq mean that the units coming back require time in country for R&R, re-organization, repair and replace equipment, re-training etc. So it's not like the U.S will instantly gain a surplus of 130,000 troops that can be re-committed instantly the moment they return home. In short, the army needs a breather!

7) Saudi Arabia. This one has always been a big question mark. While they are officially a U.S ally, the Saudi Royal family rules through an iron grip on the country. Think the Taliban was mean to women? They've got nothing on the Saudi religious police who can make you disapear for so much as looking in the wrong direction. Additionally, many terrorist groups and leaders have roots and funding from Saudi Arabia. 15 of the hijackers on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia and yet the U.S is tied to the country at the hip, both politically and economically. There has also been much conjecture that Saudi could face a situation similar to the revolution that ousted the Shah of Iran in the 70's. If things go bad, the Saudis could be calling the U.S for military support and assistance. Worst case they could end up a direct enemy if the Royal family is overthrown.

8) Venezuela, Bolivia and Columbia. Venezuela and Bolivia are staunchly anti-U.S and have made overtures for military co-operation with Russia and Iran. Also, both nations have expelled the official U.S diplomats from their countries. Columbia is staunchly pro-U.S and recieves a massive amount of military aid, in the form of weapons, training, advisers and intelligence. If things erupt here, Columbia could be calling on assistance from the U.S, or we could be looking at a direct invasion (forced regime change) similar to what the U.S did to Panama in order to oust Noriega.

9) Also let's not forget North Korea, don't be fooled by the official word that they've changed their tune. Kim Jong Il is an unpredictable man to say the least and could definitely choose to monopolize on the situation if a major conflict breaks out elsewhere.

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Any others you can think of feel free to chime in! I didn't include Africa but you definitely can't discount any number of possible actions there as well. The Congo, Somalia, Sudan, the list of possibilities is long and would undoubtedly be very bloody.

In short, the U.S has too many potential wars it's facing. Instead of trying to take on multiple conflicts in far-flung theatres simultaneously, it might be a good time to extend the olive branch in other areas and focus on one thing at a time!

Securing Russia and China as allies would be a good first step (and also probably the hardest to accomplish) as this would remove your two largest potential enemies. Will it happen? Not very likely.