Will the world be a safer place....

Osem · 06-01-2012, 15:20

.... as the US massively cuts its arms budget and focuses military attention on the Asia-Pacific region?

Quote:

China's state media have warned the US against "flexing its muscles" after Washington unveiled a defence review switching focus to the Asia-Pacific.

... it said any US militarism could create ill will and "endanger peace".

Mr Obama also plans $450bn (Â£290bn) in cuts to create a "leaner" military.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16438584

Is the European portion of NATO up to the job?

Alan Fry · 06-01-2012, 15:25

No, the European nations are not utp the job as all as we are also mking defence cuts, not good when Iran is about!

Dai · 06-01-2012, 16:17

I can't see America ever abandoning it's activity around the oil-producing nations. They know only too well that we're only a few meals away from anarchy if the oil stops flowing.

Alan Fry · 06-01-2012, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

I can't see America ever abandoning it's activity around the oil-producing nations. They know only too well that we're only a few meals away from anarchy if the oil stops flowing.

They seriouly need to invest far far more in alternative energy!

denphone · 06-01-2012, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Fry

They seriouly need to invest far far more in alternative energy!

And what energy would that be.

Sirius · 06-01-2012, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

And what energy would that be.

The only source of energy capable of providing for the future needs at this time is Nuclear.

Its plain and simple the dreamers and environmentalists can bleat on about wind, wave, hydro and solar but at the end of the day we need a power source than can provide lots and lots of power at the drop of a hat.

denphone · 06-01-2012, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius

The only source of energy capable of providing for the future needs at this time is Nuclear. plain and simple

Yes you are right but as we have seen thats not risk free is it.

06-01-2012, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius

The only source of energy capable of providing for the future needs at this time is Nuclear. Plain and simple, We can bleat on about wind, wave, hydro and solar but at the end of the day we need a power source than can provide lots and lots of power at the drop of a hat.

totally agree ,trouble is we should have started a nuclear program 20yrs ago

---------- Post added at 15:45 ---------- Previous post was at 15:43 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

Yes you are right but as we have seen thats not risk free is it.

what is?

the risk is less now than it was 30-40 yrs ago because of technology advances

**Maggy** · 06-01-2012, 20:18

I think we should get beyond the very bad habit we have as a species of putting all our eggs in one basket.
We need to use ALL the means we have to raise energy and we need to put as much money into research into all alternative sources of energy as we do into seeking out new oil and gas fields plus find ways to use what resources we do have left far more efficiently.That should include finding better ways to insulate and prevent heat wastage.

I also think we need much more lateral thinking such as that project where heat generated by a crematorium is used to heat local housing.Also the use of recycled products to generate heating should be encouraged instead of being prevented by nymbyism .

**Hugh** · 06-01-2012, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

And what energy would that be.

Burning the Rich....

**Maggy** · 06-01-2012, 20:22

Could we for once have a sensible and CIVILISED debate..Well at least until we reach triple figure posts.

**Maggy** · 06-01-2012, 20:25

Siiiiigh!!!

Osem · 06-01-2012, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Could we for once have a sensible and CIVILISED debate..Well at least until we reach triple figure posts.

Yeah, one about US defence policy with a bit of luck..

**Maggy** · 06-01-2012, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osem

Yeah, one about US defence policy with a bit of luck..

Well until the world's energy issues are resolved and everyone has access to energy resources that don't destroy the environment it's not going to be a safe place.Get that sorted and maybe there will be less reason to interfere in other countries affairs and then the US won't have an excuse to throw their weight about..

Well until the next resource that becomes finite that is.

Osem · 06-01-2012, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Well until the world's energy issues are resolved and everyone has access to energy resources that don't destroy the environment it's not going to be a safe place.Get that sorted and maybe there will be less reason to interfere in other countries affairs and then the US won't have an excuse to throw their weight about..

Well until the next resource that becomes finite that is.

True but that's all the same whether the US focuses on the Atlantic region or the Pacific. It's the change in their defence focus and spending which is the specific issue. China's feeling the heat and minds in Europe are being focused on the reality that, like them or not, the US war machine won't be available to do the hard yards in our neighbourhood.