Friday, September 02, 2005
Bush says 'no thanks' to foreign troops. Why?
George Bush is apparently reluctant to accept help from other nations in the rescue, security and rebuilding effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

They would appear to need it. Law and order is breaking down, stricken communities are still requiring rescue and emergency supplies and with ships stranded on highways, its going to need a hell of clean up. Water borne pandemics are probably only just around the corner.

Bush has declared the American people will do just fine, thanks. They don't need our help.

Or could it be that Bush feels the American public would be indignant at seeing foreign troops stationed on their home soil, regardless of their presence as part of a relief effort?

Currently and officially, there are American forces operating and stationed in over 144 nations in the world, from Uzbekistan to Panama to Cuba. They have been in South Korea since the early 50s, Japan since 1945 and Saudi Arabia since 1990.

They are unlikely to ever leave Iraq, at least while oil remains to be extracted. Once in, they are in it for the long term.

In addition, a covert presence is likely in, well, everywhere really.

In many of these nations, the government will be supportive of the security US forces provides them. In others, it seems like they have become part of the furniture. But at ground level, the presence of foreign troops on your home soil will be the cause of anxiety and unease.

Attacks on women by US personnel in Japan and Korea, or deaths from road accidents caused by drunken squadies are a constant source of tension. Statistically, it is probably the case that US forces make better citizens than the locals. Being 'ambassadors for their nation' they are on their best behaviour. But the tension their presence generates, though irrational or narrow-minded, is real.

And at the extreme, the presence of US troops in the Middle East is a catalyst for open and indiscriminate guerilla warfare, ultimately causing the deaths of hundreds of people every month.

Mr Bush now ought to realise that though he may believe that the projection of US military power is a benign and ultimately democratising influence, the experience on the ground, of foreign troops invading your territory, pride, laws and privacy can be upsetting in the extreme and is rightfullt resented by the people.

---