The other side of it is that if you "screw" one partner then future partners may expect the same.

With the exception of Iran which may not be capable of rational thought, China and Russia are going to want to see VZ resolve this situation before they pony up money of their own. I doubt either wants to be seen as enabling the VZ shafting of the West or participating in it, since they still have to deal with us.

There in lies my reason for staying....