AMERICAN efforts against terrorism since 9/11 have witnessed an uncomfortable mix of inadvertent blunders and misguided strategic priorities. For all that we talk about dealing with menacing terrorist organizations, the United States still finds itself locked into past -- and increasingly unnecessary -- military and political agreements all over the world that preclude an adequate response to present threats. Current deployments in countries like Germany, Japan and South Korea are misguided burdens inspired by 20th century politics, not 21st century realities. The United States must realize that, at a time when prudent deployments are so fundamental if we want to achieve some sort of geopolitical objective (epitomized by, though not exclusively defined by, our ongoing woes in the Middle East), several major shifts in traditional foreign policies would be an appropriate reaction.
In the 2004 presidential campaign, President Bush urged the United States to refocus its strategic thinking for a new world. Bush called for a redeployment of up to 70,000 troops. According to an August 2004 BBC article, Bush explained that "the world has changed a great deal and our posture must change with it," further wanting to "ensure that our forces are well-prepared and well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future." Bush's plan was criticized then for being a political ploy, but it also drew inspiration from earlier Pentagon arrangements.
In June 2004, according to an Associated Press article citing the Department of Defense, America had approximately 387,000 troops stationed overseas. At the time, 31,000 were assigned to South Korea and 70,000 to Germany, although the latter was only a nominal figure since 30,000 were temporarily deployed elsewhere. According to the article, "The Pentagon
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