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This commentary, by the vice president of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, argues that it is a waste of tax money to pay for the defense of wealthy European allies. More importantly, according to the article, the U.S. needs to stop being the world's policeman and should "revisit our commitments abroad, focus American power on our core interests, and call on other countries to take responsibility for their own defense."
Why Does U.S. Pay to Protect Prosperous Allies?
Seeded on Tue Feb 7, 2012 8:57 AM EST
Article Source: RealClearWorld- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (3)
The article is interesting, but based on a false premise, in my opinion. U.S. forces are indeed in Europe to help defend Europe in general and our NATO allies in particular - as our part of a collective defense. The forces aren't in Europe to do the defending FOR our allies. Again in my opinion, they're there mostly to further U.S. interests - develop partnerships so the U.S. have allies to fight alongside, set the conditions in the theater for the success of the Joint Operational Access Concept, and, by their presence, small in number but robust in capability, deter potential enemies and even our friends and allies from doing something rash. (Full disclosure: As it says in my profile, I'm a public affairs officer for the U.S. Army in Europe. But this is, as stated, my opinion - not necessarily the Army's position)
- 1 vote
#1 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 9:13 AM ESTDefend Europe against whom exactly? And having said that - why is 90% of NATO budget is US, while other countries are contributing, well, not much. Do I advocate complete withdrawal from Europe - no, not really. Do I advocate serious re-alignment of US investment both in terms of troops and in terms of moneys? Sure. They need to pay way more, and we need to be there a lot less.
- 1 vote
With 40% of every dollar currently in the Federal Budget borrowed all options in reducing spending need to be examined. I would prefer these troops being based in the US and supporting the US economy.
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