And not ridiculous things that are theoretically possible, like the Taliban does a 180 out of nowhere and converts to socialism and the imperialist states do a 180 out of nowhere and decide that a socialist middle east is cool.
I used to think that the best thing that could happen is a Marshall Plan for the Middle East, but now, I'm not so sure that would be good.
the Taliban, and other Jihadists, just spent about 40 years or so at war. they really REALLY know how the fuck to fight an asymmetrical war, and I am sure China knows that too. time will tell how things go