[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

True, yet inconsequential.

Alberta would form an army PFQ if Canada wanted to invade. Probably a lousy one. I'm quite sure International Law tends to follow that Canada's international treaties would continue to apply to Alberta, since Alberta as an entity was represented by Canada as a state actor. Therefore, any Canadian invasion would very quickly result in a US led NATO occupation of the region. There is no way an invasion of a recently seceeded country by democratic vote would be seen as anything but tyrannical and aggressive, and Canada would instantly be dealt with as such. In other words, Canada would never even think to do it. In fact, its so unlikely, it makes Alberta Separation look as likely as a sunrise.

Yes, the US would be pissed at any separation. Odds are, they'd be at the table making sure Canada and the new nation(s) of Alberta and whoever else leave don't descend into chaos.

Sounds like recent history......although I will say the '90's were a great time for me personally

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_wars

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Chechen_War