http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/world/asia/us-disrupts-afghans-tack-on-militants.html?_r=0
This recent article reminded me of some of the countries that over the last decade we've called friends, who time and again have looked very unfriendly. Of the following countries, which do you think is the most untrustworthy US ally?
Afghanistan: Besides the latest episode, a spate of "green-on-green" attacks where Afghan troops have turned on American troops, corruption in the government, and a seemingly never-ending deployment of our troops in the country make this an uneasy alliance.
Pakistan: This country is guilty of failing to locate Bin Laden in their midst, allowing the ISI to support the Afghan insurgency and Taliban, having little control over their territory, and having an extremely un-American populace. Add nukes into the mix and this is a volatile partnership that is still struggling.
Egypt: While they have been an ally in the war on terror, the military coup and government instability, human rights violations, and aggressive attitudes in the populace towards Israel all take their toll.
Saudi Arabia: Famously, 15 of the 19 9-11 hijackers were Saudis, the country was home to Bin Laden, and the country is where modern radical Islam was born. In addition, misogynistic laws, barbaric executions by beheading, and a self-serving royalty are all antithetical to American ideals. Seemingly, the only reason for our alliance is our dependency on Saudi oil.
Iraq: Nominally an ally (by force), the leadership of Iraq have nevertheless proven incapable of suppressing terrorism and sectarianism in their own country, destabilizing the region. They have also cozied up to Iran, including allowing Iranian flights through their airspace to provide shipments of goods to the Assad regime in Syria. Having lost thousands of lives propping up the country, there is little yet to show for it.
Israel: Elsewhere in the middle east, our closest ally in the region nonetheless has been a thorn in our side on occasions. Besides inserting us into an intractable conflict that consumes diplomatic efforts, Israel has recently exhibited a forceful nature, involving themselves in our political affairs and pushing us towards conflicts in Syria and Iran.
France: Our oldest ally, France seems to be our most visible love-hate relationship. On one hand, our alliance is responsible for our war in Vietnam. On the other hand, France was vilified for defying Bush's drive towards war in Iraq. While most of the time we share common values, the country's pride and independence can make its relationship with us unpredictable, and certain Americans just can't abide the French attitude.
South Korea: While a strong regional ally, our relationship nonetheless is predicated on stationing thousands of American troops on the front lines of a possible future nuclear war. In addition, the American presence has resulted in strong anti-American undercurrents in the populace. Is the alliance really worth it?
Other: Is it someone else?