Many Canadians fear third world war looms

[Haljackey 17,398]

Read more about it here:  (Its short, I promise!)

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2007/07/12/4333227-sun.html

Kind of werid, eh?  What's your opinion on the matter?

EDIT:  Posted article here so that comments could be easily referenced:

Many Canadians fear third world war looms

Thu, July 12, 2007

But most reject joining the U.S, a poll suggests.

By TERRY PEDWELL, CP

OTTAWA -- A poll suggests the likelihood of another world war sits heavy on the minds of many Canadians.

At the same time, the CP-Decima Research survey indicates a majority of Canadians reject the prospect of their country becoming part of the United States.

The online poll found 46 per cent of respondents thought there will be another world war within the next 50 years.

Almost one-in-four said they think it will happen in less than 100 years, while 13 per cent thought it would take longer. Seventeen per cent said it would never happen.

If a third world war were to take place, it would involve nuclear bombs and start in one of the world's hot spots, says Canadian historian Michael Bliss.

"We'll be lucky if nuclear weapons aren't used in the next 20 years in the Middle East," said Bliss.

"You have two countries with nuclear weapons, Israel and Pakistan," said the former University of Toronto professor. "Pakistan, which could dissolve into civil war. Israel, which if it got its back against a wall, would probably use nuclear weapons."

A thousand Canadians were asked in the survey whether they think Canada would become part of the United States. Sixty eight per cent said it would never happen.

"Our sense of independent identity from the U.S. is extraordinarily profound," said Decima's Bruce Anderson. "We cannot see any likelihood that the world's two biggest trading partners, with similar forms of government, languages, business and social customs, could ever form a united country."

Only 10 per cent said Canada would join with the United States within 50 years.

Whether Canadians want it or not, the two countries are moving closer together and soon their policies will be indistinguishable and largely controlled by Washington and corporate interests, warns Susan Thompson, founder of a pro-Canadian sovereignty website, ViveleCanada.ca.

Canada may soon be virtually taken over by the United States through the North American Security and Prosperity Partnership agreement signed last year by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, says Thompson.

quote>

[s.i.X 13]

It's pretty unlikely, but possible. If it is fought over water or oil, we may need to bulk up the military. I don't think we should go into scare mode like the Excited States did though, we should take a more intellectual, conservative approach.

[offgreen 1]

In the next 50 years it says. I'll say anything semi-plausible will happen with a number that vague.

[Nerd_Guy 4]

I wrote a report about this last year. Being in the US, I always liked the idea of annexing Canada. But then again that started with  a stupid comment to invade Canada at a party I had. The 2 countries are very similar, and any differances would be like regional differances in any large country.

[Voar Tok 4]

Is it just me, or does the prospect of a third world war and Canada becoming a part of the US have absolutely nothing in common. I mean, before I read that link, I thought it read something stupid like Canada becoming a part of the US for it's own protection or something, which I know I said a second ago, but is flat out asinine. Granted, I understand the thing about the policy shifts and the like, but I really don't think it'd ever be a flat out consensual agreement.

[MrCinatit 30]

Originally posted by: Voar Tok Is it just me, or does the prospect of a third world war and Canada becoming a part of the US have absolutely nothing in common. I mean, before I read that link, I thought it read something stupid like Canada becoming a part of the US for it's own protection or something, which I know I said a second ago, but is flat out asinine. Granted, I understand the thing about the policy shifts and the like, but I really don't think it'd ever be a flat out consensual agreement.quote>

I agree. The second was kind of out there.

Depressingly enough, I think a third world war within the next 100 years is almost inevitable. It seems like too many tempers in too many nations are becoming great - along with many of the egos in the heads of states of those nations. It also seems many are more willing to attack another country, rather than attempt a civilized conversation.

I hope there will not be, though, because I believe the destruction from WW3 would overshadow anything we have ever seen, or could ever imagine.

As for the Canada becoming a part of the U.S. - I cannot see that happening at all.

[Dragontempest 0]

AS a history major I was taught to look at history as a view into the future. While many historians subscribe to the thought "forget the past, condemn the future" many will say that history doesn't repeat itself...exactly. A "WW3" will happen (if it hasn't already considering some historians consider the "Cold War" the third world war) but it wont be view as it until reviewed from the future. The reason for this is like WW1 or "great war", which wasn't obvious that the world would get involved into Europe's mess. WW2 was obvious by comparison considering the build up of armies and tensions all over the world.

Now people might say it is obvious now but, looking at the "Cold War" it is obvious that is was capable by the same definitions and yet it is still debated that it was a "Third World War". These events have the same likelihood to be region wars as they have to be world wars. Identifying whether or not it is a World War to come or is... well that is a matter of opinion isn't it?

As for Canada to become apart of the US... isn't already? its just an independent autonomous region or "state". take a look at several countries throughout the world and you will see the same thing it just with Canada its not as obvious. IE Denmark-Greenland, Russia-Siberia, Britian-Scotland.

Please forgive me if I upset anyone, I truly mean disrespect if I did cause some

[patriots_1228 51]

if anything we (USA) will need canadas protection. our army is gettting smaller and the recruiting is getting tougher. and it would be tough to use a draft because the majority of the nation would oppose to it and many would (what a coincedence) flee to canada.

somehow i see WW3 as US vs. Russia and Iran , with the terrorist joining Russia and Iran, and then all the other countries will chose a side. hopefully, that is off in the late 2020's, when i am too old to go to war (cutoff is 30, right?) sadly, i see this war being on US soil though. 

edit: dragon-Canada is a completely indepent country that is not owned or operated by the US in any way. as for the Cold war, i wasnt alive then, but my understandings that there was no violence during the Cold War, just alot of tension. am i right?

[Easy Bakes 253]

I realy dont see how a "world war " will ever happen again.

if by world war you mean massive armies/navies moving and batteling against each other.

I think the "new" style of war is whats going on now semi limited conflicts and lots of

terriost type attacks that drag on for years and years because thier are no real targets to destroy or take over

to endthe hostilitys.

if someone uses a limited nucular strike some were i no longer think

every one else will launch everything they have.

[Voar Tok 4]

Originally posted by: patriots_1228 if anything we (USA) will need canadas protection. our army is gettting smaller and the recruiting is getting tougher. and it would be tough to use a draft because the majority of the nation would oppose to it and many would (what a coincedence) flee to canada.quote>

Despite our military getting smaller, we'd increase it for sure if WW3 broke out.

somehow i see WW3 as US vs. Russia and Iran , with the terrorist joining Russia and Iran, and then all the other countries will chose a side. hopefully, that is off in the late 2020's, when i am too old to go to war (cutoff is 30, right?) sadly, i see this war being on US soil though. quote>

No, it's not.  I think the end of the legal drafting age is 26, but I think they accept guys as old as early fourties.  As for it being on US soil, it would probably be in a variety of locations.

edit: dragon-Canada is a completely indepent country that is not owned or operated by the US in any way. as for the Cold war, i wasnt alive then, but my understandings that there was no violence during the Cold War, just alot of tension. am i right?quote>

Yes, the Cold War officially wasn't a war of guns but a war of words and ideologies.  However, there are a few times when it became a war of guns, like Korea and Vietnam.  The Bay of Pigs incident almost became a full-blown war too.

[robertg0902 0]

we are already in ww3, it's a war between the west and Islamic extremist, as for Canada joining the US that has happened already remember NAFTA.

[patriots_1228 51]

Voar Tok-darn i was sure the simpsons told me it was 30

rebertg-thats not a war. terrorists are not a unified opponent, etc. look up the reason the british refuse to call it a war, that explains it. id say its more of a "Campaign for gas and oil while killing a few bad people along the way". however, this could lead to a WW. What they are talking about is Canada actually becoming part of the US, which, is never gonna happen.

[SimFox 804]

Poll like that have nothing to do with ANY science what so ever and are not more then a form of pseudoinformative entertaiment which is actually dumbs you down! Any poll to be considered representative and worth any attention should be conducted in a very different manner. For all twe know it was fabricated from nothing really just to get into aspotlight.

[newy2 0]

Interesting post, i can see WW3 possible but not very likely though. 

[Skyfire2275 23]

Stupidest survey ever. These "researchers" probably got money from the taxpayer to waste on this garbage. Just disgusting.

Originally posted by: Dragontempest AS a history major...

As for Canada to become apart of the US... isn't already? its just an independent autonomous region or "state". take a look at several countries throughout the world and you will see the same thing it just with Canada its not as obvious. IE Denmark-Greenland, Russia-Siberia, Britian-Scotland.

Please forgive me if I upset anyone, I truly mean disrespect if I did cause somequote>

As you are a history major I suggest you get your facts straight. Canada is an independent nation. The US has NO CLAIM WHATSOEVER over Canada or it's land. Am I offended by your comments? No... but I am angry that you have your so-called "facts" that wrong. Greenland is a Danish territory that is self-administered (semi-autonomous). It is like Canada was to Britain before independence. Scotland is more like the Canada-Quebec relationship. It is physically part of Britain but with a different culture and government... and is not totally autonomous. Siberia is also physically part of Russia and is not independent. Canada is an independent nation and in no way part of the US... it NEVER has been and likely never will be (though I cannot say for sure, because I have no interest in debating this point).

As far as Canada is concerned the US can do whatever it wants (I mean nothing illegal) and we can similarly do the same. US wants to invade Iraq? Go ahead... we didn't. The US doesn't have any loyalty of the Queen of England at all. We do. She is the head of state here, represented by the Governor General, who believe it or not is the most powerful government official in the country. Though in practice that is the Prime Minister. Canada has NO LOYALTY WHATSOEVER to the US nor to it's president, he is just another foreign leader, albeit of our neighbour and largest trading partner and of one of the most powerful countries in the world. Yes, we cooperate on many fronts where both countries agree that it is mutually beneficial, but we also disagree on many things (US has lax gun laws compared to most western countries, we have gay marriage, etc...)

So, I have no idea what you are talking about, but before you go stating "facts" again, I suggest you do some research and find out whether they are true or not.

[Barbarossa 51]

Seems like a garbage article to me. Will there be another World War? Likely. We are human, after all, and governments get into all sorts of p*ssing contests that go awry. But no one can say when or why. Things often de-fuse, others blow up completely unexpectedly. This is just one of those fear-mongering articles written by some journalist who doesn't care about news, only about entertainment.

I won't even bother with the Canada to US bit... that is... just... stupid.

Barbarossa

[Dragontempest 0]

I apologize, the part about Canada was a an attempt to make a joke without any sleep... I should have denoted that fact. again I apologize it was taken as literal. the rest of the statement involve the "third world war" was my attempt at accuracy, or as much accuracy as you can have considering history is subjective. Again I apologize and I accept any comments telling me how stupid I was or how stupid the joke was. After all, it is to be expected.

[ILL Tonkso 1,239]

Also any war Canada gets into, the UK will join. The UK will defend any commonwealth country whatever happens.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Originally posted by: ILL Tonkso Also any war Canada gets into, the UK will join. The UK will defend any commonwealth country whatever happens.quote>

Thanks, Tonkso.  While it isn't "Ready, aye, ready" with us anymore if the U.K. goes to war, we'll be there for you if it did. 

As for a third world war,  what was the second?  I count 1914 - 1946 as WW I, a conflict in two acts with a trucial intermission.  it really was the war to end all wars. 

War is a method of taking over territory with occupation troops, and making the civil population accept you.  You eventually annex the territory.  Administering large stretches of territory is a hard job.  I don't see anyone wanting this except a few extremists.  We have had this kind of group before.  Remember the anarchist movement before the world war?  Gavril Princep was an anarchist.

The "Islamic" extremists actually seem to have little or nothing to do with Islam except to yell in Arabic "Allah u akbar" just as they close the switch on the bomb belt.  If you can believe Al Q'ran, Iblis has a nice warm place in his heart for them.  [iblis is the Islamic equivalent of Satan].  No heaven, no garden, just heat and pitchforks.

Canada will join the United States of America somewhere around the time that glaciers cover the continent again or the middle tail race of Dis gels.  We aren't very different, but different enough not to want to be involved in that chaos they have down there.

[crazyyaya 4]

The third WW in my opinion isn't just likely, its going to happen, maybe in 10 years, maybe in 300 years, or maybe in 3000 years. It may not be fought with nuclear weapons, the world has managed to prevent nuclear world war for over fifty years. Even in the tensest parts of the Cold War . It would most likely be fought with weapons of technology or economic powers. Probaly even weapons that can knock of power systems(which already exist) or throw economies in a spirial of economic resussion.

I am reminded of Einstiens quote -"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

As for Canada and the US situtation, I doubt that they will actually become one country, in a while anyway. They are already almost the same country. They are sortof similiar to the European Union of Canada and the US. If you look at it, It would be more in the interests of the US to officailly join. Canada dosen't really want to be associated with the US and its foreign policies right now, they certainity don't want to be tied to BUSH. The Us however would certianly like to have access to Canadas enourmous natural resource potential. (Canda is already the #1 exporter of oil to the US) They would certianly like Canada's oil in its hands.

[patriots_1228 51]

NOBody-what chaos? is rather calm right now

[baystatebill 2]

If there is a WWIII (or WWIV), I think it will be radical Islam vs the west. It will pin terrorist groups and stats that support these groups against the US, Western Europe, Austrailia, Japan and Canada. I think that a greater war based on the current war on terrorism is inevitable. I wouldn't worry about the strength of the US military. There is bound to be another attack in the US and the people will rise, just like after 9/11. There maybe some discent on serving in Iraq, but many are willing to go fight in Afghanastan and Pakistan against AlQueda.

[simdad1957 3]

World War Three likely will happen, and probably within the next 25 years. The western democracies are getting old and tired. The birth rate is well below replacement and before too long, the western economies will no longer be able to sustain themselves. There will no longer be enough young people to maintain large standing militaries therefore "conventional warfare" will no longer be an option. If the west is to defend itself it will therefore have to be by the nuclear option.

In the meantime, Islamofascism will continue to spread in the middle east. This, in combination with the high middle eastern birth rate and the generally poor economic prospects of the region (outside of oil & gas revenue which only benefit the elite) will feed an increasing sense amongst the Muslim youth of disenfranchisment, alienation and envy of the west that will lead to bitterness, anger and aggression that will be prove to be quite dangerous for everyone. All it will take will be a renegade group to obtain nuclear material and set off a bomb in a major North American or European city and that will be it. World War Three will be here.

This is not so far fetched, just think what the U.S. response would be if a nuclear device blew up in Manhattan and they were able to prove that militants in Karachi or Islamabad were behind it. I'm sure that Pakistan would be made to pay bigtime.

I hope I'm wrong because I definitely do not want to see these events happening but I think my predictions are realistic. The next world war will be between Islam and the west.

[Godzillaman 21]

Read my sig! there's a quote that my brother told me. i think that world war three will happen in the next 30-75 years. And Canada merging with USA? Where they on crack, cause i cant see that happening.

[Voar Tok 4]

Originally posted by: N_O_Body

Originally posted by: ILL Tonkso Also any war Canada gets into, the UK will join. The UK will defend any commonwealth country whatever happens.quote>

Canada will join the United States of America somewhere around the time that glaciers cover the continent again or the middle tail race of Dis gels.  We aren't very different, but different enough not to want to be involved in that chaos they have down there. quote>

I'm not sure what chaos your talking about.  It's pretty much as chaotic here as it always is, which isn't that much.  The news greatly over-blows stories.

EDIT: I was just thinking of your signature when I read that quote by Einstein up above.

[SimRabbit 48]

I think WW3 will be Western vs Eastern kind of like, US vs China, but it won't probably happen within 50 years or so.

As for Canada joining the US, well that is stupid!!! and won't never happen. My bro has a shirt that says "Canada, America's hat" and then tthere is a picture of the map of the US and Canada that looks like a hat!!! thats hilarious!! no im serious that is not cool.

[flame1396 9]

Originally posted by: patriots_1228 if anything we (USA) will need canadas protection. our army is gettting smaller and the recruiting is getting tougher. and it would be tough to use a draft because the majority of the nation would oppose to it and many would (what a coincedence) flee to canada.

somehow i see WW3 as US vs. Russia and Iran , with the terrorist joining Russia and Iran, and then all the other countries will chose a side. hopefully, that is off in the late 2020's, when i am too old to go to war (cutoff is 30, right?) sadly, i see this war being on US soil though. 

edit: dragon-Canada is a completely indepent country that is not owned or operated by the US in any way. as for the Cold war, i wasnt alive then, but my understandings that there was no violence during the Cold War, just alot of tension. am i right?quote>

Response by paragraph....

Paragraph 1: True, the US Army doesnt want the idiots anymore, and the people they DO want would generally NOT join the military. As for the draft... I'd leave, I may leave regardless. Norway or Germany (etc.) looks pretty good.

Paragraph 2: Ehh.... I disagree here somewhat. Note how North Korea (backed by China) resents South Korean (backed by the US) technological and economical sucess.... North Korea invades South Korea, the 2 superpowers throw in their lot and BAM! the world goes M.A.D. (mutually assured destruction, nukes everywhere). And on US soil... nah. On Korean soil, however, US soil (among others) will get contaminated. I give it 10 years.

And in my opinion.... The world is pretty sick of the Middle Eastern countries and their little quibbles and other junk... I doubt WW3 would start there.

Paragraph 3: true... BUT Canada IS heavily influenced by the US.... 'nuff said. And in the cold war there wasnt direct US vs. USSR conflict, there WAS however "combat by proxy" Each side backed opposite sides in a smaller war (generally taking place in Africa)

And as some closing statements (these could tick people off, I don't care)... The UK people shouldn't be holding their heads high and criticizing the US, you're ticking off people as well. And for the high and mighty Canadians, hmm... guess who followed the US into Afghanistan and Iraq(?)... Mhmm that would indeed be Canada, pretty contradictory to the "very independent" statement being waved around eh? Dragontempest is pretty darned correct.

[blueflame13 1]

I think the difference in a Third World war, if there will be one, is that it will probably be catalyzed largely in part by third world countrys or developing countries such as China.

[Haljackey 17,398]

Originally posted by:  flame1396 Note how North Korea (backed by China) resents South Korean (backed by the US) technological and economical sucess.... North Korea invades South Korea, the 2 superpowers throw in their lot and BAM! the world goes M.A.D.quote>

  I agree with you there.  The Koreas are backed by the world's two superpowers.  But, possibly before this happens, the Chinese could invade neighbouring countries, similar to what Germany did before WWII.  This invasion by the North will spark an international conflict (similar to the Bay of Pigs), and, as such, could provoke another world war.

And for the high and mighty Canadians, hmm... guess who followed the US into Afghanistan and Iraq(?)... Mhmm that would indeed be Canada, pretty contradictory to the "very independent" statement being waved around eh? Dragontempest is pretty darned correct.quote>

Um.... No.  We did not go into Iraq and we NEVER will, no matter how much the U.S needs our help to clean up the huge mess they left there.  The only reason why we went to Afghanistan was because NATO forced us do it. We had to do our part to help out with the NATO led campaign there.  You must understand that we followed NATO, not the U.S! 

Heck, if it was a UN-run mission, we would have taken a much more positive role as peacekeepers there, something Canadians are quite good at.

[Goldfish4209 9]

Quite possible, with all the places in the world it could start. I just don't want to be nuked.

Why would Canada ever want to join the US?