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historyarch  ·  2216 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Operation Northwoods

I'm trying to address specifics with you. But I disagree with the way you present the factual basis of your argument. You were saying or implying that Bush overreacted regarding the P-3 incident and that the invasion of Afghanistan was an overreaction that other US presidents refrained from. The Taliban supported and aided bin Laden. Bin Laden attacked the US on 9/11 and killed 3,000 people here, more than the attack at Pearl Harbor. It's not flag waving to recognize that the US had a compelling interest in removing the Taliban from power.

Pakistan was and is more complicated. The government is not in control of the mountainous region bordering Afghanistan. They are also a nuclear power. We knew that there were elements in the Pakistani intelligence that were helping bin Laden. Because the situation was different, we acted differently.

One of the issues I wanted to raise with you was your criticism of American policy, the notion we "throw our weight around." It's easy to criticize, it's much harder to come up with a solution. It's not necessary to label the US as "good" or "bad" to recognize that there is a difference in many places where the US exerts influence and where it doesn't. Compare Western Europe to Eastern Europe from 1945 to 1989, or South Korea to North Korea. It's not just you that has benefitted from the US being an international power.

Consider Germany and Japan in 1940 with the US in isolation: two of the most aggressive and repressive nations in the world, Germany attacked almost every neighbor they had, east or west. Japan was 10 years into a genocidal war in China. Today, both Germany and Japan are vibrant and peaceful democracies who are a threat to no one. Objectively, that's a good thing isn't it?

And you still haven't answered my basic question: what would the world look like if the US had withdrawn in 1945 the way we did in 1918? I contend the world is a better place (not a perfect place, a better place) with the US involved.

I'll close with this. I am not intending to frustrate you by throwing up empty patriotic rhetoric. You seem like an intelligent person with a different worldview and I respect that. If I didn't I would not have responded. I have enjoyed this exchange and find what you write to be thought provoking and engaging. I wanted to engage you on specifics without writing a book length response. I hope you will see my posts in this light even if we do not agree.