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The task of controlling guerilla insurgencies in occupied territory is the maintainence of empire. No amount of high tech military hardware will replace the need for ground troops. The 19th C colonial powers were able to accomplish this with colonial regiments commanded by European officers. The ideal approach for the American Empire in its self appointed role of world cop would be to combine its high tech gear with ample supplies of outsourced third world cannon fodder. The folks at home wouldn't have to deal with significant American casualties and the arms manufactures would be ecstatic.

So far, it ain't happening. European countries are not interested in maintaining large standing armies and more and more third world countries are exploring ways to avoid doing the bidding of the US.

by Richard Lyon (rllyon@gmail.com) on Tue Jul 25th, 2006 at 11:10:40 AM EST
Strange, Mr. Lyon, I've been thinking along those same lines for about 2 years.

Where would you recruit the Colonial Army?

"When the abyss stares at me, it wets its pants." Brian Hopkins

by EricC on Tue Jul 25th, 2006 at 12:53:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I think this is an inaccurate characterization of what is going on. Iran might be an example of a country that is not wanting to do "the bidding of the U.S." in your theory, but in fact it is doing exactly what the U.S. is most interested in.

Since the primary interest of the U.S. (and Europe; don't kid yourself that Europe has a significantly different set of interests than America) is to keep the oil flowing, the way that these small countries could distance themselves from America would be to stop selling oil. But they don't.

by asdf on Tue Jul 25th, 2006 at 07:54:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Is it not the case that the US armed forces recruit non American citizens from places like Latin America and the Philippines, with the promise of citizenship after 20 years of service (or whatever).

This is the same deal the Roman Empire gave to non-citizens within the Empire and barbarians from outside it. The Romans also threw in land in border areas or newly conquered provinces, as an added incentive for surviving veterans. Thus they filled the ranks of the army and strengthened pro-Roman elements in strategic places.

by Gary J on Thu Jul 27th, 2006 at 05:46:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]
The Pentagon is also incresingly using mercenaries. Apparently former Latin American death squad types, South African military and police Apartheid enforcers, Pinochetistas, ex Marines...

Nothing is 'mere'. — Richard P. Feynman
by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jul 27th, 2006 at 05:50:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]
France too has the Légion étrangère. They used to crush Arab revolts and mess in Subsaharan Africa. Sarko's father became citizen this way.

*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.
by DoDo on Thu Jul 27th, 2006 at 05:55:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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