World War 3 could happen in 2019 – threats from North Korea, Syria and Putin are worse than during the Cold War
RISING tensions around the globe along with spectacular war games and weapons testing have increased fears of a major military conflict breaking out in 2019. Here we look at trouble spots which could be potential World War 3 flash points. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
Why is 2019 such a dangerous year?Scientists have warned that a nuclear war between the US and Russia could plunge the Earth into a 10-year winter. Fires from ballistic missiles would throw a staggering 147million tonnes of soot and dust into the atmosphere - blocking out sunlight for years.
Experts predict it would take ten years for light to return to normal - with average surface temperatures plummeting by 9C. Our map shows the flashpoints where there are currently military standoffs which could suddenly turn nasty and bring the major powers into conflict with each other. Experts believe the Baltic States, Ukraine and Syria are danger zones in a world more unpredictable than during the Cold War. This is because of Russian meddling as President Vladimir Putin attempts to recreate a superpower sphere of influence it lost after the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
Meanwhile in Asia, China has unveiled its largest rise in defence spending in three years as it bids to dominate the world with a vast superpower military. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
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Russian tanks plough across farmland as the war games kick off in Siberia in September[size=1.2]Credit: AP:Associated PressCould war break out between the West and Russia?The much diminished ISIS pails into insignificance when compared to the threat Russia poses. In an interview, he warned: "Russia today indisputably represents a far greater threat to our national security than Islamic extremist threats such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. "Russia has embarked on a systematic effort to explore and exploit Western vulnerabilities, particularly in some of the non-traditional areas of cyber, space, undersea warfare." The Baltic states — once in the fold of the Soviet Union and have a sizeable ethnic Russian population — fear they are on Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s hit list. The deployment comes as the country said it is preparing for the arrival of new American missiles in Europe after Donald Trump threatened to quit a Cold War era arms treaty. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
RAF typhoons scrambled to intercept the Russian Blackjack bombers[size=1.2]Credit: UK MOD Crown 2018Why is Syria regarded as a World War 3 flashpoint?There is continuing conflict in Syria — now nearly eight years old and responsible for the deaths of at least 500,000 people. Since 2016 evil dictator Bashar al-Assad has been backed by Putin raced, putting Russian on a collision course with the West. Russia and Iran said they will respond to further American military actions following the US air strikes. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
It emerged earlier this year that President Xi Jinping has told generals to 'prepare for war' in the South China Sea[size=1.2]Credit: AlamyCould the US and China go to war in 2019?Bejing's 2018 defence budget was an astonishing 1.11trillion yuan (£127billion), according to a bombshell report issued at the opening of an annual meeting of parliament. It now has more warships and submarines than the United States. It is currently contesting the oil and gas rich South China Sea with its neighbours. Beijing is doing this by building artificial islands on which military installations of all kinds have been based in a bid to control the seas which are dominated by the powerful US Navy. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
The artificial island Fiery Cross Reef is also bristling with weaponry[size=1.2]Credit: ReutersThe spectre of a invasion of Taiwan — which broke away from China in 1949 — is ever present and in 2019 President Xi Jinping may decide to reunite the "renagade state" with the mainland in time for the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.
Could war break out between America and Iran?He claims the Islamic republic had broken the deal by secretly building nukes. The sanctions have exacerbated a financial crisis in Iran that has sent the value of its currency tumbling, leading to widespread protests and warnings of revolution. The regime may wish to divert attention by carrying out revenge attacks on Israel and the US.
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[size=1.6]As tensions flare in the Black Sea, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveils his latest nuclear warship
Is North Korea really a threat to world peace?But the agreement was short on specifics and negotiations have made little headway since. And it appears Kim is doing little to dismantle his missiles despite promises made to the US President Earlier this month images within a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies which has identified 13 secret facilities used to produce missiles and related technology. [backcolor=rgba(57, 62, 63, 0.8)][size=1.8]8
The satellite pictures reveal missile bases hidden in mountains[size=1.2]Credit: Reuters[size=1.2]
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