Genetic Superiority: Fact or Myth?

So, I am in the middle of this debate with two friends of mine regarding genetics and the rise of great cultures.  They are arguing that genetics, and specifically, genetic superiority trumps all other factors when determining the rise of great cultures.  My argument is that genetic variation, which is random(ish), out-weighs the necessarily positive genetic developments for their argument to hold true, and thus that cultural traits such as peaceful religion/strong morality, prudent economic decisions (as a culture), and strong family/social structure is far more determinant of a great culture than genetics.  Obviously, genetics plays a role, but in my narrative this role is reduced to random variations amongst individuals rather than a dominating factor in a civilization's success.

However... this article seems to disagree with me.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/08/1-in-200-men-direct-descendants-of-genghis-khan/#.Vk8RQXarTRZ

What say you?

Brexit: Consequences Untold

I found another very informative article regarding the prospect of Britain leaving the European Union (EU).  As anyone who reads me regularly knows that I am not optimistic about the survival of the EU, especially the European Monetary Union (EMU), simply because the economic forces against it are too strong to overcome without significant federalization into a true united states of Europe, which I don't see happening given the current political environment.

Russia and Syria

I found a curious article on the Huffington Post that was translated from Arabic detailing Russia and their role in the Syrian mess.  There is an additional layer that this author seems to overlook, which is the pipeline potential for a submissive, dependent but stable Syrian regime.  Given Putin's history pushing for control of oil and natural gas supplies, this would seem to be the most likely motivation for his interest in Syria.  This goal is not going to disappear overnight either, which means that Russia is in Syria for the long haul.

The article itself though describes some of the interplay of politics in the Middle East and some of the favors and tradeoffs that Russia had to make in order to facilitate their Syrian intervention.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raghida-dergham/moscow-needs-an-exit-stra_b_8494762.html