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It's becoming increasingly evident I suppose and perhaps inevitable that the US adopts Swiss-like neutrality and withdraws to our borders/territories and allow these varying regions to handle it themselves. The role of world police and major contributor has not served us well in recent years as many countries continue to figuratively spit in our face with their hand out for foreign aid. As a major faction of the US population continues to struggle one can only assume varying internal forces will push our foreign policy in that direction.
This train of thought has been making its way around some intellectual circles, but I can't see it happening. The spirit of American is that of isolation, but the leaders, those holding economic and political power seem to be all in on global intervention. Party doesn't matter. This has dynamic has been with the country from start. It's a myth that America was ever isolationist. Well maybe in the years between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. I believe this myth steams from how history is taught in the schools. The common narrative is we were just being peaceful and minding our own business when all of sudden "insert whatever country you wish" started making trouble and attacking us. It's not until students get to college (if they have the luxury of taking a civic, history, philosophy, etc.) course do they learn the true extent of our global ambitions. There are those that believe power (as in the ability to inflict ones will) can only be done with with be a global force to be reckon with. For this reason, I can't see the U.S. ever adopting a neutral like stance in the foreseeable future.
Does anyone else see another Gulf War-type conflict unfolding? Iran's enabling of terror groups like Hamas and the Houtis has destabilized the region as they continue to basically thumb their nose at the US and it's allies. Anyone else foresee a US-UK-Israel led coalition including neighbor allies like Jordan and Qatar going after Iran in the coming months, if not sooner?
International efforts have been mainly in relation to stopping Houthi attacks on international shipping, rather than becoming involved in US attacks in Syria or in relation to Iranian targets.
Whilst the US has every right to defend it's military personnel from attack, the main focus of US allies is in relation to defending international trade routes against attack rather than defending US bases in the region.
Last edited by Brave New World; 02-05-2024 at 09:32 AM..
Yeah I am not embracing the isolationist concept. The problem with that, is when you disengage from the international scene, you have other countries making decisions for you. How would you like France dictating your foreign policy, which inevitably also impacts your domestic policy?
That doesn't mean other countries don't need to do there fare share, we've had other countries being too dependent on the US for defense.
Neutrality has historically worked for a country like Switzerland because they are a landlocked mountainous country that is essentially one huge fortress, and they have a knack for politically and financially working both sides of the table.
The U.S. has been in the Middle East to control the region for its own interests.
Well I would hope so, that's like a "Captain Obvious" statement, although the U.S. isn't exactly controlling the region.
You think it would be in the Middle East for anyone else's interest?
Well I would hope so, that's like a "Captain Obvious" statement, although the U.S. isn't exactly controlling the region.
You think it would be in the Middle East for anyone else's interest?
Hoping so goes against Captain Obvious, which also goes against not exactly controlling the region. You need to make up your mind.
To answer your question, yes, and that would be the interests of those who live in the Middle East. At least that's what the U.S. says to the rest of the world: it fights for the "freedom" and "democracy" of others, right?
Hoping so goes against Captain Obvious, which also goes against not exactly controlling the region. You need to make up your mind.
Once more in English?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ralfyman
To answer your question, yes, and that would be the interests of those who live in the Middle East. At least that's what the U.S. says to the rest of the world: it fights for the "freedom" and "democracy" of others, right?
These concepts aren't mutually exclusive Captain. Sharing political systems and social philosophies works towards the interests of the U.S.
These concepts aren't mutually exclusive Captain. Sharing political systems and social philosophies works towards the interests of the U.S.
When you hope for something, then it's not obvious.
They are for the U.S. because it has also supported various dictatorships worldwide, and even even trades and works readily with countries like Saudi Arabia and China.
So much for your Captain Obvious insults. Apparently, you're a know-nothing about this issue.
When you hope for something, then it's not obvious.
They are for the U.S. because it has also supported various dictatorships worldwide, and even even trades and works readily with countries like Saudi Arabia and China.
So much for your Captain Obvious insults. Apparently, you're a know-nothing about this issue.
Who is "they"? Saudi Arabia IS in the Middle East. What does "even even" mean?
No one is trying to insult you, but maybe this internet debate thing is not for you.
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