Hmaly, <What is your opinion about whether the US should pull its troops. I believe you said you lived there, and should know more that the rest of us here. Wouldn't it be about time, as North Korea has imploded and no longer poses a threat that South Korea can't handle; and China seems to be out of the picture.>
Well, I never actually lived there, but I can still give you my opinion.
The 37,000 U.S. troops stationed there is actually a pretty small number compared to the number of Korean soldiers in active duty, both in the North and in the South. Their only function is a virtual "tripwire" to deter the North from attacking the South. In other words, an attack on the South represents an attack on America, and that's what those American troops represent.
I have no idea what the Korean politicians prefer regarding America's military presence there. I think they recognize that the North still represents a significant threat. And America has proclaimed that the North not only threatens South Korea, but also all of Asia. That's probably why I haven't seen any strong declarations for the withdrawal of American troops.
But with the North becoming further isolated, even from former allies like China and Russia, I think it's safe to pull out American troops eventually. Toward that goal, I'd support a timetable for withdrawal, combined with a clearly outlined Asian policy making it clear to the North that America will still defend her allies.
Tenchusatsu |
