Originally Posted by JKD

I'm not saying yes or no to the thread, but spain stayed pretty neutral, but slightly towards the germans, and nothing happened to them, although they had just been in a devastating war.

Originally Posted by Truth-Bringer

Respect is irrelevant in the final equation. No one may respect Iraq, but since it's going to cost trillions to occupy, secure and rebuild it, who on earth can afford it? Armies and occupations are funded by taxes - and taxes can only be maintained with a productive economy. Raise taxes and put too much strain on that economy, and your productivity will slide. Which, in a cycle, will affect ability to maintain armies and provide food, equipment, etc. You guys aren't seeing the big picture.