Asian Nexus: Will it Reduce the U.S. Presence in Asia?
Though, even if they say that American forces are residing in Iraq, only for the security of the Iraqi civilians, and to pave way for the democratic Iraq, the other complains still linger on.
They include deafening arrivals and departures of fighter jets, sometimes so close to school and hospitals, and many other interconnected issues, such as the raucous army barracks and the movement of armed vehicles all around the heart of Iraq.
Indeed, the anger of Iraqis has raised a new basic question about the future of America’s military presence not only in the gulf but in Asia too. No doubt, Iraq is the melting pot of the American military presence, as compared with the rest of Asia; it has born a heavy burden as a U.S. forces outpost.
Most of its land is given over to American bases and for its pains; it receives few direct benefits apart from the so- called security incentives.
Meanwhile, most analysts are saying that American troops will be hanging out in Iraq for some more time as the deployment on Iraq is not only essential to America’s Asian detachment, but it also gives Washington a stepping stone to the entire region.
Besides, according to some observes, most Asian governments support a continued U.S. military presence in the neighbourhood and moreover, America’s own expanding economic interests in Asia make any swift withdrawal unlikely.
But American policy makers must realize that in the long term, soaring Asian pressure will reduce the U.S. presence in Asia for sure. Now, the question arises, what should the Asian nation do?”
The suitable time to act is now,” most analysts are saying. According to them, the Asian nations must learn to take responsibilities for maintaining peace and security in their own courtyard, without Washington’s aid.
But paradoxically, the fact however is this: American presence is welcomed in the region because historical antagonisms, as well as rivalries rooted as far as in the Cold War, have conspired to divide Asian Countries, experts are saying.
Meanwhile, the Asian governments, to the dismay of their publics are sensitive of one another and collective security is an alien notion for them. And here lies the problem of all the problems for Asia. If not administered correctly, regional tension will rise, and endanger Asia’s dreams.
However, at this critical juncture of the transformation, one cannot possibly deny the role of U.S in Asia, as it can sustain the balance of power. But as a preventive measure, the Asian countries must start taking crucial steps toward collective security.
The primary move, obviously, must be dialogue. Dialogue will help the Asian governments understand one another’s security concerns and that will help build mutual trust – an essential ingredient in the security policy.
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) which was set up in 1993, was a good beginning but it has not lived up to its full potential. ARF seeks to promote dialogue among Asian countries but it seems that it is drifting away from its prime objective of gradually replacing a U.S. – led security net with an intermingled Asian system.
Nonetheless, expert says, if the notion of the collective security is to work in Asia, traditional rivals such as China and Japan, India and Pakistan, must develop professional working relations. Despite their mutual suspicions, common economic welfare give these nations reason aplenty to improve bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, The U.S. can play a key role in facilitating trust between these nations. To do so effectively, the U.S. will need to resist the temptation to play Japan and China, India and Pakistan, off against each other.
America can be a helping hand in the Asia’s search for regional security by providing cooperative association for the trust building. As cooperation grows, regional governments will open up with their neighbours about defence strategies and even capabilities.
So an urgent effort is needed from the Asian countries. They must sort out their own concerns and devise their own safety nets. But will they be able to do so without the aid of global powerhouse – United States of America?
