This brought to mind the current world events that we are seeing

1. ISIS is troubling, evil, and not that large of a threat to civilization and peace in the world. 
2. Russia and Putin on the other hand is very troubling and worrying. He has gotten into expansion and domination mode. Most of the Russian people do not know what is actually happening (though they are starting to get some clues). We have people wearing Russian uniforms stripped of insignia, while using Russian arms and equipment, invading Ukraine and fanning the flames of the civil war there. Putin calls them "volunteers" who are not part of the Russian military. If this is true, then Russia lets civilians have a heavier weapons than civilians are allowed to have in the USA. And, there have been grumblings of a Russian grad for Estonia (former Soviet state and is now a NATO member). Does anyone think Russia/Putin will back down in the face of sanctions? Also, how far can European countries (heavily dependent on Russian natural gas) go with their sanctions. All Putin has to do is shut down the pipeline to Europe and they will be facing a VERY cold winter. I've heard people say that Russia can't afford to do this. However, Russia and China have started building a pipeline so that Russia can sell its natural gas to China (who is not imposing sanctions). Also, if Russia invades Estonia as it has Ukraine, do you think the current US administration (or the other major members of NATO) will actually be willing to go to war over it? I don't think so. Also, do you think our military is ready to go to war with Russia? Our military is great. But, it has been reorganized and equipped to deal with counter-insurgency missions more than battling a first world military like Russia or China. I won't get into China.