I remember a lot of people speculating about what would have happened in the world if Jimmy Carter had been elected to a second term.  Many believed that the Soviets would have taken advantage of Carter's weakness and confusion to confront NATO, believing that the U.S. would be paralyzed into inaction. Something similar could happen today, according to some analysts.  Vladimir Putin's saber-rattling at Turkey could become more than bluster if the Russian strongman doesn't think that the U.S. and NATO would go to war if Moscow attacked Turkey. The Russians are beginning military exercises in the region immediately adjacent to their border with Turkey.  The exercises are a threat because Russian troops will be on the highest level of alert short of war.  And Russian rhetoric aimed at Turkey has become more bellicose as events in the Syrian city of Aleppo may force Turkey to try and intervene in the conflict.  With Russian jets pounding rebel...(Read Full Post)