Thread: North Korean strike timed?

1) That they US closed down it's military bases in Europe
These countries are free to tell the US to leave, like Thailand and the Philippines did.

Originally Posted by sperk

1) That they US closed down it's military bases in Europe
These countries are free to tell the US to leave, like Thailand and the Philippines did.

O'RLY?

Originally Posted by Ramil

O'RLY?

Maybe it's a matter of interest of some group that everyone think they can't?

Originally Posted by Eric C.

Maybe it's a matter of interest of some group that everyone think they can't?

Theoretically they can, but many countries depend on that money US pays for its bases. Not only money, but trade preferences, investments, etc. Diplomats offer all kinds of betefits when they want a base on your territory and they're pointing out many 'disadvantages' of refusal. Local governments usually start seeing the point immediately. And sometimes they make an offer one cannot refuse. (c) Mario Puzo

Originally Posted by sperk

1) That they US closed down it's military bases in Europe
These countries are free to tell the US to leave, like Thailand and the Philippines did.

I will write something about Misha's comment later, but briefly, since I am at work:

Okinawa -- - really wanted to get rid of US bases;
Kyrgizstan --- wanted rid of them too.. but in the end they got an offer they "couldn't refuse" since it's such a poor country.
South Korea --- demonstrations about it all the time... Let the Koreans sort out their own problems! Or let China/Japan/Russia mediate, i.e. neigbours.
Germans --- mostly don't like it, but because of the War, they are reluctant to come out too strongly.
Spain --- I've personally witnessed demonstrations against it; that's what first made me interested in the issue.

Only place I know that doesn't care, is the UK....

Some people believed they were needed during the Cold War... (But note: Scandinavia was doing just fine without it -- right next to the USSR, so I don't believe that was strictly true) Either way, that's not a valid concern anymore.