It is obvious that political changes in the world are forcing big powers to change some of their policies in certain areas and make adjustments in others. In all cases it is connected with strategic and economical interests. If we look at Asian-American relations, we see unexpected changes in the past decade. Before its collapse, the Soviet Union used to wield tremendous influence in half of the Asian continent though there were tens of US military bases there.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States was quick to contact the former Soviet republics coveting the huge oil reserves in the area. However, the United States failed to have as effective a presence in the former Soviet republics as they wanted. Many analysts and political observes see the United States withdrawing from the area slowly while holding on to its interests in the area.
Many countries in middle Asia demanded that the American military bases leave the area. The US federal budget cannot finance all the American bases in Asia. So some were closed down resulting a reduction in the American presence in the area.
Indians and Pakistanis surprised the Asians when they joined the nuclear club after successfully conducting nuclear tests. This changed the political and military complexion of the area.
This is only part of the story. If China is able to invade the space with advanced technology — not to say anything of its economical invasion of the world — then it will become the second superpower of the world and will shatter the American dream of dominating the world. In addition to all this there is Iran and North Korea. One has already nuclear weapons while the other has the potential to become nuclear-armed. This will complicate the situation in the Asian continent for the Western powers.
All these factors are behind the American plans to control oil wealth whether in the Middle East or Caspian Sea. Washington has already conducted a study by 14 experts in military and economic affairs to suggest the steps that need to be taken to strengthen America’s military presence in the area to protect its vital economic interests and fight terrorism.
The study alludes to the possibility of American involvement in localized conflicts that might break out in the near future. This also makes the American military presence in the area a must.
There are three possible scenarios of wars in the area. The first is a war between China and Taiwan, the second is a war in the Korean Peninsula and the third a nuclear flare-up in the South Asian continent. America needs to maintain its military capability in the area to face such situations and to influence the outcome. According to the study, the American presence in the area is important to protect its regional role. Any withdrawal from the area will result in the establishment of another military power that is not in the interest of America or their allies.
The current allies of America are Japan, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore. Many nations in the area do not trust American promises, especially after America invaded Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Asian countries are reassessing the political situation based on their interests.
