Why do we have bases in Arab countries where the population general hates us, but not in Israel. In Israel we could
have bases in an allied country and not piss off the local population (too much)
provide Israel an additional measure of security against invasion, and obviate the need for settlements in the West Bank (one big reason given for keeping them is as adefensive/military buffer zone)
We have some of the best bases in the world in Israel. They are staffed exclusively by Israelis.
Exactly. Wouldn’t they just be redundant?
Um, no. They wouldnt.
Were our bases in West Germany redundant?
Why do we have bases in Arab countries where the population general hates us, but not in Israel. In Israel we could
Better question is why do we have bases in the Middle East at all?
provide Israel an additional measure of security against invasion
Despite the fantasies of possibly every Arab nation, and the endless rhetoric of the Israel-lobby, Israel is in no danger of invasion. They’re more than capable of handling their own security.
Better question is why do we have bases in the Middle East at all?
So we can kick ass of course. Why do you hate America?Despite the fantasies of possibly every Arab nation, and the endless rhetoric of the Israel-lobby, Israel is in no danger of invasion. They’re more than capable of handling their own security.
Oh I completely agree. But you still here the Israeli right claiming that settlements are needed for security. An American base in Israel would totally destroy that claim.
But you still here the Israeli right claiming that settlements are needed for security. An American base in Israel would totally destroy that claim.
I don’t care if settlements are or are not needed for Israel’s security. I don’t know why we should care about destroying that claim, and I certainly don’t think it’s worth maintaining a military base there to do it.
It’s Israel’s concern, let’s just let them handle it.
It’s just a nice side benefit. The real reason is to get out of Muslim countries but still be able to project power in the area. (of course you know our presence in S. Arabia is a big reason why AQ is out to get us)
Now I know you dont think we should be messing around the Middle East in the first place, but thats another issue. We have bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and I bet we’ll keep bases in Iraq long after we “pull out”. My question is: why those countries, why not a real ally?
The real reason is to get out of Muslim countries but still be able to project power in the area. (of course you know our presence in S. Arabia is a big reason why AQ is out to get us)
Yes, and in this case I’m all for giving AQ what they want. Also, I think any realistic view of the situation has to take into account that it isn’t simply our physical presence in Saudi Arabia that AQ has a problem with- they also don’t like us “projecting power” in the area in general.
Now I know you dont think we should be messing around the Middle East in the first place, but thats another issue.
No, it’s the center of this issue. Obviously.
My question is: why those countries, why not a real ally?
Because Israel is a “real” ally. Because Israel is not really in danger of being invaded by its neighbors. Because we have no need to influence Israel in the manner we feel the need to influence all those other countries. Because if you want to project power in the Arab Middle East, it’s probably counter-productive to have your main military base is Israel. (What are you going to do when if you actually need to project some power- launch a US attack from Israeli soil? *That *would sure settle things down over there, huh?) A lot of reasons like that.
**What are you going to do when if you actually need to project some power- launch a US attack from Israeli soil? That would sure settle things down over there, huh?
Good point.
Good reasons all … Better to have bases in other places … As far as why we are there, that would be oil … Kind trumps any other reason for our enormous presence in the region … Isn’t the U.S. military pretty much moving out of Saudi Arabia now that we have huge installations in Qatar & Kuwait & a bunch of big permanant bases in Iraq? Despite AQ and whoever else, we’ll be around those parts 'til the oil runs out.
"Were our bases in West Germany redundant? "
They are now. I practically grew up on NATO bases, but their true purpose ended with the cold war. I assume the only reason the US is still there is for strategic location to the middle east.
I thought we were out of Saudia Arabia altogether.
I think you are right.
“we’ll be around those parts 'til the oil runs out.”
Yep, nothing wrong with that.
I’d prefer us spending the billions not on bases but on figuring out how we’ll get around without oil. Then we can tell all the countries in the Middle East “bye bye. We don’t need you anymore. Have a nice life.”
So we can kick ass of course. Why do you hate America?
LOL
We can do this without goverment money. We will not move off oil because no one wants too. Yesterday I saw a car with two bumper stickers “Bush lied people died” and “How man lives per gallon?” This was on a two door Mercury Cougar with a V6.
When the world wants to change energy supplies we will.
I do find that sticker ironic … Yep. We will change. I’m just an advocate for sooner rather than later … In the long run it’ll be cheaper and easier if we get out $hit together now and start making the switch with some organization and planning instead waiting for a crisis to force us to do so quickly and haphazardly … I wouldn’t be opposed to government pushing industry to make a few of those changes.