Some of the capacity will go away if fuel prices stay this high. It (oil prices near $50 a barrel) could hasten US Airways' demise.

The combined entity will face significant hurdles, particularly integration of its labor forces.

If Iraq becomes free and stable, we will have a major oil producing country that can help us stabilize the United States oil partnerships. If we were to give Iraq a loan rather than a grant, it would have been perceived by the Iraqis as if we're trying to ease them out of their oil money.

It's probably too little too late.

This process has plagued other airline mergers, and brings a risk of operational disruption or added costs.

There's certainly been a history of low-fare carries going by the wayside,