I agree that Russia and the US would solve their issues peacefully.
I can say that I doubt highly that Russia would want to enter a conventional war against us. My platoon served with a Russian platoon patrolling the same areas in Bosnia back in 96. Their soldiers hadn't been paid in over 6 months. They lacked the funding to properly clean and maintain their weapons and other equipment. Their rations were not much more than what you'd consider moist dog food. And needless to say their morale was VERY low. Their military is no where near what it was during the Cold War.
If Saddam was taken out already then I think the majority of the Iraqi troops would surrender. This would be the best we could hope for at this point, as it would mean less bloodshed (especially of innocents).
