Despite dramatic changes in the world, US policymakers remain strangely reluctant to drop even one military alliance or security guarantee, no matter how antiquated. 'What has ever been must ever be', appears to be the basis of American foreign policy. America must always do more, never less.
The worst commitment today, in terms of lives lost, terrorists created, and dollars wasted, is Iraq. Unfortunately, it was a lot easier to get into than it will be to get out of. Not so with most of America's defence ties. The red hordes are unlikely to pour forth from Russia to conquer Europe, so who needs Nato?
Mainland China doesn't have the conventional capability to invade Taiwan, let alone Japan. Why base a marine expeditionary force in Okinawa? Moreover, South Korea has 40 times the gross domestic product and twice the population of North Korea. Why is the US defending a country that can take care of itself? A country which doesn't even believe that it's in danger.
There is no need for Washington to deal with the ever-threatening, ever-unpredictable North Korea. In the normal course of events, leader Kim Jong-il and his bankrupt, impoverished and starving nation wouldn't be America's problem. South Korea, China, and Russia are next door. Just a little bit of water separates Japan from North Korea. If Pyongyang threatens anyone, it is its neighbours, not the globe's most powerful nation. Mr Kim is a nasty character, but the United States could easily ignore him.
American policymakers should react to the latest North Korean manoeuvres with a yawn. Dealing with Seoul is almost as painful as confronting the North. Although the polls vary over time, many South Koreans have soured on the US: majorities prefer China to America; view Washington as a greater threat to peace than North Korea; and don't believe the North poses any military threat.
Yet South Korea's elite prefers to whine about US behaviour rather than take responsibility for the South's future. They think America should defend them against non-existent threats involving the North - but not entangle them in real, potential conflicts involving China. They think South Korea should enjoy the economic benefits of 33,000 troops spending away - but not have to suffer the social consequences of hosting so many young men.