Are U.S. Bases Overseas Increasing Terrorism?

A U.S. Army crew chief watches as Pakistani soldiers load supplies aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Rubicon, a refuelling point, for transport to flood-affected areas in Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, Pakistan, Sept. 19, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Reese Von Rogatsz

Time To Rethink US Bases In Asia -- The Diplomat

US bases are becoming a magnet for terrorist attacks in places like Afghanistan. It’s time for a more flexible approach.

Could US bases overseas, usually thought of as ‘stabilizers’ in tough neighbourhoods, really be the primary cause of radical terrorism against the United States and its allies? That’s what Robert Pape and James K. Feldman compellingly argue in their new book Cutting the Fuse: The Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It.

Most war planners and geo-strategists look at US military bases abroad as if they’re anchors of stability in unstable regions. Over the past six decades, while there have been occasional protests—sometimes violent—targeting these foreign bases by rebellious students or groups affiliated with socialist or communist parties, most of the political systems in these countries have strongly supported the bases (usually as a cheap way to deter aggression from neighbours).

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My Comment: I am sure that there must be resentment among some in the countries where US bases are positioned .... I know that I would feel uncomfortable if there were permanent US bases in Canada where I live. But having said that, I know that many others are grateful that the Americans are present, and view them as a source of stability and a symbol to other countries that attacking a US ally will have consequences.

As to the argument that US bases in the Middle East and Central Asia only increases terrorism .... I will have to say that terrorism was active long before the US got involved with positioning bases in these regions. Their presence in these countries has only highlighted what is a growing problem in most of these countries .... a problem that will continue with or without a US base presence.