I’m beginning to think that the Unites States should remove its major military presence from Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
Estimates:
57,000 in Germany.
10,000 in Italy.
10,000 in the UK.
85,000 in all of Europe
30,000 in South Korea
35,000 in Japan
Shouldn’t Europe be responsible for its own defense?
Would North Korea really invade South Korea if the United States withdrew the majority of its troops? If yes, shouldn’t South Korea assume the defense posture? If South Korea is unable to do so, shouldn’t the United Nations assume the responsibility? Or is there another option?
Would China really present a threat to Japan? Should the WWII surrender conditions be reassessed?
What do the host nation think?
Well over 150,000 United States military personnel are deployed in those three places. Why shouldn’t that be reduced to 1,500 – or less?
I’m thinking out loud, here. I could go one way or the other, but I’m leaning towards advocating pulling all (or most) of them out. And if we keep them there (at the request of the host nation), perhaps we should send them a bill. (But then again, in that regard, should the United States military really be [i]out for hire[/i]?)
Comments?