Posted on Apr 10, 2017
MAJ Bryan Zeski
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The US seems to be suffering from a lack of clear direction it wants to go - and what role it wants to have - on the world stage. Are we there to enforce UN policy? Are we acting unilaterally against things that WE find immoral and unacceptable? Where do we draw the line on taking action or not taking action? These are questions that we should have solid answers on BEFORE taking action.
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Responses: 6
LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited >1 y ago
Withdrawing from the world, surrenders any say the US may have about anything that are in its interest, security, or commerce.

Going with a coalition or allies reduces obstacles from the UN and the other permanent members of the Security Council. Acting within the spirit of the UN Charter, leveraging the organization, and preventing/reacting to atrocities is a legalistic approach to right and wrong and generally is justifiable except to the most stalwart adversaries (usual suspects who hate everything we do. NK, Hugo Chavez, etc)

Each situation is different. Each region has different strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. If we and like nations fail to enforce freedom of navigation and abandon the global commons, we allow others to control those spaces. Most of the world's commerce goes through two straits in the Pacific and the HOA. All haunted by Pirates. Shipping cost will sky rocket due to increased insurance and bonding costs. These increases will be from piracy payoffs, increased sail time avoiding pirates, escalating with armed security, or movement by other more expensive means. China desires to control the Pacific, unless we challenge their claims by customary law and freedom of navigation, we cede the Pacific and the shipping lanes, marine resources, and energy reserves to them.

There is not a line, it is fuzzy gray zone, most oftnly referred to as it depends.

Lawlessness and failed states cause all sovereign nations problems from crime and terror. They go camp out in God's little blind spot and do bad stuff. Eventually it finds its way into the US. We must have other nations retain sovereign control of their territory or we need to make them wish they would have. There is an element of what can we realistically get away with, including BOG.

We have to look at all this through the lense of ends, ways, and means. What is the value of the object(ive)? Are our national interests threatened? What things can we absolutely not live with? What can we tolerate? It is a constant evaluation of weighing cost vs benefit. It is gooey, sticky, and untidy. This is the wheelhouse of the NSA and NSC.
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CWO3 Us Marine
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Our government has just undergone a major shift from one "leaning" to another and it will take time to establish and maintain solid footing. The Nation is divided politically and ideologically as evidenced by the election. Although the control of two branches of government is held by one group we still are blessed with a Constitution that has served us well over the years. In the meantime we should just remain vigilant as responsible citizens and try to stay informed based on actual facts vice the spin that we are exposed to by the media. We all have a vested interest in the future of the USA, and especially so as members of the military that have contributed to our past and future security. It will take time for the new administration to become a functioning unit and in the meanwhile we need to stay informed and active in the overall effort. We may only have one vote, but collectively we represent the constant and stable backbone of the Nation. The level of involvement depends on us individually but as Veterans we should represent a sound and responsible element of society overall. There are processes and personnel in place within our branches of government to ensure we remain viable and the blueprint for democracy worldwide. We just need to be patient and confident that we remain on track toward the future success of the USA. IMO.
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SPC Temp Worker
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Yes this country is definitely suffering. The United States needs to reduce it's role as the world's police force. We send our people to fight and die for another nation's freedom, then that nation wants to be disrespectful and all of our sacrifices goes away in vain. America should only fight wars if their is a danger to America and it's people. We need to stop getting involved with every nation and their business that's how trouble is ensured. We need to stop all this regime changing and nation building and focus on American. We build nations up only to lose it later down the line just like Iraq. We participate in regime changing and then more chaos ensures. Look at Iraq, Libya, Yemen and other middle eastern countries. This country is also divided politically and ideology, then you have bias news channels and fear-mongering tearing this country apart even more.
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