Since the terrorist attacks on Paris on November 13, I have heard more that one comment about how the attacks may be the start of World War III. I wondered, though, if this might be a little behind.

For those who need reminding, the Cold War between the east and west involved forces around the world, and resulted in the deaths of thousands. Given that, in my mind World War III started at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, when Europe was divided among the WWII winners, and ended with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Admittedly, this World War didn’t fit the definition in the eyes of some, mostly because of the general absence of large battles, massive troop movements, and the naming of it as a World War in the media. But, when you consider how close we came to actually destroying all life as we know it, on multiple occasions, these points seem moot.

So, to me World War IV is the war between militant Islam, and the rest of the world. If we are looking for a start, I would think the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000 might serve as such. Sadly, militant Islam is also fighting non-militant Islam.

As I got to thinking about the current War, I was struck by the feeling now in Europe that they have finally gotten involved, and the similarities between WWIV and WWII became clear. Let me elaborate:

War begins

WWII – Japan invades Manchuria, September 1931. This is the first encounter between two powers in this war, but it stays local. The rest of the world doesn’t see where this will head.

WWIV – USS Cole bombing, October 2000. This is the first encounter between two powers in this war, but it stays local. The rest of the world doesn’t see where this will head.

War escalates

WWII – Germany invades Poland, September 1939. This attack draws a great amount of attention, and the two powers directly involved essentially go to war. The world takes note, but most countries not directly involved decline to do anything. Some believe appeasement is the best solution. There are some victories on both sides, but all out victory isn’t forthcoming.

WWIV – The attacks of September 11, 2001. This attack draws a great amount of attention, and the two powers directly involved essentially go to war. The world takes note, but most countries not directly involved decline to do anything. Some believe appeasement is the best solution. There are some victories on both sides, but all out victory isn’t forthcoming.

War comes home

WWII – Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. The war hits home, and now the rest of the world forces feel the war’s brunt, and begin to finally fight.

WWIV – Paris attacks, November 13, 2015. The war hits home, and now the rest of the world forces feel the war’s brunt, and begin to finally fight.

 

Given this, it will be interesting to see how WWIV progresses, and if it will further mirror WWII. On can only wonder if they will end the same way.