There are more pieces than that on the board now, though. Canada has had it with the US, and we've managed to piss them off to the point that it's affecting our ability to access data from our ground-based missile warning stations in Canada's Arctic. I've seen estimates as high as a 40% reduction in our early warning detection capabilities. We can still detect missile launches, but we can't see where they're going until they're less than 15 minutes away from their targets. Russia tested this almost immediately by sending four Bear bombers into Alaska's ADIZ. Standard protocol is to launch both Canadian and American fighters to intercept. Nobody knew what to do since Canada's Tier 1 status had been revoked, so they were allowed to approach without interception. They turned back on their own before actually crossing into Alaskan airspace.
There is a canal that all ships entering the Great Lakes must pass through. It is on Canadian territory and operated by Canadians. Over $20 Billion of goods being shipped to the US goes through there. Not sure how much goes out, but the same principle applies. Canada can completely shut down US Great Lakes shipping traffic if they want to.
Iran has turned into a quagmire that is draining our defenses faster than we can replenish them. I know they've increased production, but it's still a serious problem, and it begs the question, "If attacking Iran and defending Middle East allies from Iranian drone and missile attacks has depleted our missile and ABM stockpiles in less than six months, what would happen if America had to defend itself from a real aggressor capable of projecting power across the globe?"
Cyber attacks on US utility infrastructure is at an all time high. US military commissaries are even reporting refrigerators connected to an online system have been mysteriously turned off at night over the past few days. 18 and counting so far.
These are some very serious strategic concerns, both militarily and economically. I'm not sure where this is going to end up, but I am absolutely certain it's going to end badly for the US.
Putin and Xi are watching all of this and they're seeing opportunities.
