>It would be interesting to see the fallout, We're so smugly confident of the security of our position at the top of the heap that we can bemuse idly about how

>It would be interesting to see the fallout, We're so smugly confident of the security of our position at the top of the heap that we can bemuse idly about how interesting it will be to watch foreign affairs in the near future. BTW, I'm not trying to mock you, any more than I mock myself for the same thoughts. But it worries me that so few people seem to even consider the possibility that our prospects for the future might be anything other than world dominance. >How seriously are other countries going to take things? Diplomats from the countries involved have known or been aware to some degree, but now they can publicly rebuke US/NATO policy initiatives. For that matter, anyone may now criticize UN policy on the basis that it lacks independence. >Could they apply sanctions against the US? Well, maybe not through UN resolution! But, sure; it may not have an effect if it isn't unilateral to some degree. The US still holds a lot of cards in that respect, but fewer each day it seems. When, (not if) consensus turns against the US, it will turn quickly. >Enough to get companies to effectively lobby against spying? The pessimist in me thinks that by the time public opinion in the US (even among the businessmen you're referring to) turns against gov't policy, the damage will already have been done. Arguably/Possibly a good thing for the world.