In Mexico, democracy is under threat. If the situation continues on as it is going, we could see a civil war. The last time Mexico was undergoing revolutionary ferment the U.S. sent its soldiers across the border to try and punish one of the warlords. This time the traffic will be headed our way, in even larger numbers than we are seeing now.

Another article from the NY Times that investigates the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

In Sudan, the government is telling the African Union peacekeepers they need to play ball (while the Sudanese government crushes resistance in Darfur) or leave the country.

We may be entering the era of asymmetrical war. This will mean more widespread violence lasting for longer periods but, ironically, less overall death and destruction. If you doubt that is true just go back and read any history of World War II. When modern warfare is waged between nation-states with armies, navies and air forces, the destruction is on a gigantic scale.