> In the midst of all these problems, America’s vassal states — India and Australia — saber rattled in ominous ways. [...] Australia was spanked very hard as a warning to other vassals. If Australia slips into a recession, the next Prime Minister will be a lot less racist and uncouth. And perhaps Australia will be more careful about committing war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"Objective Nonpartisan Insightful", really now! I think your source needs to learn how to write non-editorial English.