Latvia, our news said last night that since the fifties the US has lost twenty one aircraft and one hundred and thirty four crew to spy missions. I mean lost without a trace. They showed an RB-50, supposedly the first loss, that had been based in either Iran or Turkey.
Wide Body, I think you may be right about President Bush lacking in "international experience." His critics gleefully point that out at every opportunity, but he does have some pretty heavy hitters to call upon. Powell and Cheney come to mind.
One other thing the Chinese should also keep in the back of their minds. They want to join the WTO and they want to hold the 2008 Olympics. They'll do neither without US agreement.
[This message has been edited by pigboat (edited 03 April 2001).]