smn1256 Wrote:Owl, I think the reasoning behind the missiles is to counter any threat Iran or some other nearby country might pose. And I believe we had to foot the bill for the entire thing.

When we pulled out of the ABM Treaty in 2000, part of the deal with NATO was that we had to build a similar system for Europe.

Why is it that it's OUR troops stationed all over the world protecting other countries instead of them fending for themselves? They protest our ships and troops all while living comfortably under the umbrella of security we provide. Europe can afford to take care of itself, and so can Japan and So Korea.

smn1256 Wrote:Why is it that it's OUR troops stationed all over the world protecting other countries instead of them fending for themselves? They protest our ships and troops all while living comfortably under the umbrella of security we provide. Europe can afford to take care of itself, and so can Japan and So Korea.

In the case of Japan and Europe, its not so much "protecting" as an opportunity to have a forward base close to places where we have interests.

Closing the deal on a long term use agreeemnt at Balad airbase in Iraq is very important.

WMD Owl Wrote:

smn1256 Wrote:Why is it that it's OUR troops stationed all over the world protecting other countries instead of them fending for themselves? They protest our ships and troops all while living comfortably under the umbrella of security we provide. Europe can afford to take care of itself, and so can Japan and So Korea.

In the case of Japan and Europe, its not so much "protecting" as an opportunity to have a forward base close to places where we have interests.

Closing the deal on a long term use agreement at Balad airbase in Iraq is very important.

"Planning is essential to progress" ... you're right in your assessment above ... all of it. Our various service's War Colleges and the Pentagon are planning for world wide needs all the time.

Some things we have a need to know while others we have NO NEED to know. That's why they are "CLASSIFIED".

The Monroe Doctrine should be upheld and enforced.

tigertom Wrote:The Monroe Doctrine should be upheld and enforced.

Of course, an honest application of the Monroe Doctrine would require an immediate & complete withdrawl from Europe.

jh Wrote:

tigertom Wrote:The Monroe Doctrine should be upheld and enforced.

Of course, an honest application of the Monroe Doctrine would require an immediate & complete withdrawl from Europe.

That'd get my vote.

Rumsfeld, recognizing modern threats and need to shift forces to those interest, proposed drawing down the Germany base...the Germans went nuts over the idea and did not want us to leave. caused a geo-political problem for us, so its a dilemma.

plus given their militant history, which isn't that far in the rear view....