Powder Keg in the Pacific

[marmar]

from TomDispatch:



Powder Keg in the Pacific
Will China-Japan-U.S. Tensions in the Pacific Ignite a Conflict and Sink the Global Economy?

By Michael T. Klare


Don’t look now, but conditions are deteriorating in the western Pacific. Things are turning ugly, with consequences that could prove deadly and spell catastrophe for the global economy.

In Washington, it is widely assumed that a showdown with Iran over its nuclear ambitions will be the first major crisis to engulf the next secretary of defense -- whether it be former Senator Chuck Hagel, as President Obama desires, or someone else if he fails to win Senate confirmation. With few signs of an imminent breakthrough in talks aimed at peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, many analysts believe that military action -- if not by Israel, than by the United States -- could be on this year’s agenda.

Lurking just behind the Iranian imbroglio, however, is a potential crisis of far greater magnitude, and potentially far more imminent than most of us imagine. China’s determination to assert control over disputed islands in the potentially energy-rich waters of the East and South China Seas, in the face of stiffening resistance from Japan and the Philippines along with greater regional assertiveness by the United States, spells trouble not just regionally, but potentially globally.

Islands, Islands, Everywhere

The possibility of an Iranian crisis remains in the spotlight because of the obvious risk of disorder in the Greater Middle East and its threat to global oil production and shipping. A crisis in the East or South China Seas (essentially, western extensions of the Pacific Ocean) would, however, pose a greater peril because of the possibility of a U.S.-China military confrontation and the threat to Asian economic stability. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175640/tomgram%3A_michael_klare%2C_the_next_war/#more

[leftyohiolib]

1. why is it every incident that appears in the news has this (or wordS similar) line in it

with consequences that could prove deadly and spell catastrophe for the global economy.

no taking a swipe at the poster- everyday seems like, every event has major dire consequences for every one on the planet. can someone have disater prediction fatique?

[marmar]

2. This isn't about a single "event", but about many tensions that have been building.

I think your critique is an oversimplification of the situation.

[leftyohiolib]

4. it wasnt a critique of your post or the situation - it was a statement about things in general

not trying to hijack but i was speaking of news events in general. the fiscal cliff was gonna bring down the world, the debt ceiling problem is gonna bring down the world , gun control is gonna start civil war china and japan are squaring off is gonna bring down the world.
so it wasnt you or your post or the situation

[bemildred]

5. That's what they worry about, their money. nt

[bemildred]

3. Yep. nt

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, marmar.