The Visiting Forces Agreement not to be terminated.

[Jack D]

1 hour ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

This article might help explain what I mean https://www.vox.com/2018/2/15/17007678/syria-President-war-win-interview

Interesting read!

However, it doesn't explain why the U.S. could not defeat the North Koreans. The Korean War was a "Super Bowl" type of war... one that the U.S. should have clearly won, even with the help that the North Koreans received from China and the USSR.

From what I've learned, President Truman stopped the war before a U.S. victory by removing General MacArthur. Truman was afraid of having a war with China and/or Russia if MacArthur continued to fight to win.

On another note, the current wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen are the results of over-reacting to the events of 9-11.

Maybe the US military should ditch the uniforms, learn to fluently speak Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, and Urdu?... and grow long wild-looking beards... plus wear the local clothing, If that was done, the U.S. military might have a much better chance of winning these 'civil wars.' 

Since it's highly unlikely that the U.S. will ever fight an 'old-school' type of war again with uniformed soldiers from both sides, the U.S. military still needs to remain operational and ready for anything that threatens the U.S. and its allies... btw:  does the U.S. still have allies?

The only solution is to maintain an 'old-school' type of military, just in case there ever is a WWII type of war (with China and/or Russia) whilst also having guerrilla units (like the ones described above) for the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The war in Yemen raises many questions, such as why is the U.S. supplying the Saudis with weapons that are used to kill and maim women and children in Yemen?

If the U.S. continues to stick itself into civil wars, I believe that the U.N. should be also be involved, since they have a long standing record of success with keeping opposing sides apart, such as what they've done in Cyprus.

[Dave Hounddriver]

35 minutes ago, Jack D said:

does the U.S. still have allies?

The US still has allies.  The allies, however, do not agree with everything the US does.

The Philippines is a US ally.  The Philippine leaders do not agree with everything the US does.  I am reasonably sure many other US allies feel similar.   Please do not confuse alliance with blind obedience.

 US allies do not have any rights in choosing US political leaders or military policy.  Some allies follow the US lead because of a belief that the POTUS actually knows what he is doing.  Others follow the US lead for the same reason Duterte does.  As Scott says:

2 hours ago, scott h said:

IMHO he doesn't want to alienate Uncle Sugar when he might need some help. 

 

Edited June 5, 2020 by Dave Hounddriver

[Old55]

Countries ally themselves out of self interest. Be it serving their fellow citizens or sugar for their family and friends.

 

[GeoffH]

54 minutes ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

The US still has allies.  The allies, however, do not agree with everything the US does.

 

Just thought I'd leave this here 

Australia Agrees To Send Troops To Support America’s Invasion Of America

[graham59]

22 minutes ago, GeoffH said:

 

Just thought I'd leave this here 

Australia Agrees To Send Troops To Support America’s Invasion Of America

Pft... saw through that one straight away ...

 

.

 

[Jack D]

16 hours ago, graham59 said:

For some reason, this song popped into my mind.