Quote Originally Posted by Bob's World View Post
Key to remember is that narratives do not create instability. Narratives do not create stability either.
This is true, but they may give some indication of what is causing instability, and what's needed to create stability. Whether the US or any other outside power is in a position to provide what's needed is another question altogether.

There are always many narratives out there, and one danger of basing decisions on interpretation of narratives is that we all too easily choose to interpret the narratives that allow us to arrive at a preferred interpretation.

Quote Originally Posted by Bob's World View Post
Governments need to start playing to the entire house, and not just the front row and the box seats.
Probably true, but not something we can do anything about, except to the extent that our government and our populaces are involved.

When "the entire house" is sufficiently divided, "playing to the entire house" may be all but impossible, especially when each side of the house wants control.