"In fact, it struck me when we invaded last year that if we did it without European and East Asian support, we were risking losing our alliance in Europe in exchange for Iraq, and that is a very undesirable exchange"

This quote by William Odom speaks to the threats associated with the US intrusion of Iraq in 2003. Odom is recommending that the US ran the risk of losing its alliance in Europe by invading Iraq without the support of European and East Asian countries. This could be seen as an undesirable exchange, as the United States would be compromising its alliance in Europe in order to acquire control of Iraq. Odom's quote indicates that the United States ought to have taken more time to think about the possible effects of its actions, and that it needs to have sought out more assistance from other nations before taking such a drastic step. Ultimately, Odom's quote functions as a warning to the US to think thoroughly before taking any military action, as it might have serious effects.