Should USA Return to Isolationism?

[adios]

Should the USA abandon it's committments to Israel? Should the USA pull all of it's troops out of the middle east? How about in South Korea and Japan? Maybe keep the Monroe Doctrine. No more bin Laden, no more terrorist threats, no more crazy Kim.

[IrishHand]

There's a world of difference between "isolationism" and not dominating so many 'lesser' countries and peoples.

The best thing for Americans (at least in the short run) is to work only for the interests of Americans - maintain access to vital resources (re. oil), ensure (re. coerce) favorable trade agreements, etc. The best thing for humans (including Americans) is to work for the best interests of humanity.

What would happen if we didn't have a huge military presence in the Middle East? Oil prices would rise - which would have a big effect on the US economy in the short run (and an effect which no sensible administration would allow, since it would ensure that administration didn't return in 0-4 years). We'd be forced to find *gasp* alternatives to having millions of single-occupant vehicles all over the roads. We'd find alternatives to gas-driven vehicles, and we'd place a greater emphasis on public transit. In the end, you'd have less pollution, less dependance on other nations (that oil we were talking about). Of course, the removal of our military in the Middle East would also result in a dramatical reduction in anti-Americanism. They're happy to trade with us, they just don't like all the terms being dictated from the safe end of a gun.

I realize that's a serious generalization, but the basic idea holds. We're locked into a lifestyle and way of thinking, and we're prepared to kill to keep it.

[B-Man]

Unfortunately, isolationism will not end the threat of terrorism, it may even encourage it (since our enemies might view us as "retreating" or admitting defeat, and see that as a sign of weakness). The goal of militant Islam is to convert the entire world to Islam, and to kill all the "infidels" who refuse to convert. People like Bin Laden and his followers will not quit until they win or are destroyed... I realize that only a minority of Muslims subscribe to militant Islam, but when you are talking about over a billion people, even a small minority amounts to quite a few people.

Don't believe the nonsense about Bin Laden, etc. hating the U.S. because of our Middle East policies. They hate us because we are different, and because of what we believe in. Their religous beliefes are the reason they hate us. Our Middle East policies are just a handy excuse.

As for "crazy Kim," he is just that, crazy. I don't see how reverting to isolationism would help. In fact, that is not even what he wants--he wants more aid from the U.S. The fact that he was getting it and secretly working on nukes behind our backs (in violation of agreements) shows what kind of character he has. Everything he is doing right now is blackmail for one thing--money.

And Saddam, he would be the biggest threat of all. He would rebuild his army, take over Kuwait again, and try to take over as many other countries as he could until someone stopped him.

I don't think giving in to, or ignoring, the dictators, lunatics and terrorists of the world will solve any problems. It will just cause more problems for innocent people overseas.

[adios]

"Unfortunately, isolationism will not end the threat of terrorism, it may even encourage it (since our enemies might view us as "retreating" or admitting defeat, and see that as a sign of weakness). The goal of militant Islam is to convert the entire world to Islam, and to kill all the "infidels" who refuse to convert. People like Bin Laden and his followers will not quit until they win or are destroyed... I realize that only a minority of Muslims subscribe to militant Islam, but when you are talking about over a billion people, even a small minority amounts to quite a few people.

Don't believe the nonsense about Bin Laden, etc. hating the U.S. because of our Middle East policies. They hate us because we are different, and because of what we believe in. Their religous beliefes are the reason they hate us. Our Middle East policies are just a handy excuse. "

A handy excuse for more than Bin Laden. Ok that makes sense. Since terrorism is a threat to the USA and won't go away if we disengage the only aternative that makes sense is to engage them. Seems like the best place to engage them then is on their turf. So the USA must have a presence in the Middle East.

"As for "crazy Kim," he is just that, crazy. I don't see how reverting to isolationism would help. In fact, that is not even what he wants--he wants more aid from the U.S. The fact that he was getting it and secretly working on nukes behind our backs (in violation of agreements) shows what kind of character he has. Everything he is doing right now is blackmail for one thing--money."

So the situation with Kim requires a different kind of engagement. Those that complain that we have no right to disarm Saddam due to the fact that we are not doing the same to Kim are using fallacious logic. That makes sense.

"And Saddam, he would be the biggest threat of all. He would rebuild his army, take over Kuwait again, and try to take over as many other countries as he could until someone stopped him. "

So our allies in the Middle East were put at risk by Saddam and removing him from Kuwait was a legitimate and worthwhile goal. We've seen first hand how an armed Saddam is a dangerous and aggressive force that will eventually have to be confronted militarily.

"I don't think giving in to, or ignoring, the dictators, lunatics and terrorists of the world will solve any problems. It will just cause more problems for innocent people overseas."

So any kind of policy of benign neglect of the Saddams, Bin Ladans, and "Crazy" Kims of the world is foolish and irresponsible

[MMMMMM]

Too bad some of the "relativists" "PC folks" "multiculturalists" and "appeasers" can't see things so clearly.

[adios]

Could you imagine the screaming and hollering by those who oppose the republicans if the USA actually decided to withdraw from it's committments abroad?

[Clarkmeister]

When you 3 are done stroking each other, please replace the Vaseline.

[IrishHand]

Best analysis of a thread I've read all year.

[Chris Alger]

My answer to all of your questions is no.

[andyfox]

Has any major U.S. political figure advocated isolationism?