Reply #16: If the rivalry had ended the missiles would have been detargeted...

[not systems]

the have not, we still target Russia and they still target the US.

I think that it is very clear that the grand chessboard
type thinking that dominates now involves gaining leverage
over Russia, China and Europe via oil and oil shipping routes.

The Wolfowitz doctrine is very clear that we must prevent
any rival power from emerging. Russia, China, and Europe
are all on our list of future rivals.

Who know what Osama is? He could be a independent tactical
genius ala Imperial Hubris or a cutout bogey it is above
my pay grade to know for sure. I do think it best to hold
both possible in order to understand what happens next.