Don’t threaten me with a good time!

  • Large Cane Toad@lemmygrad.ml
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    53
    ·
    25 days ago

    I think the US is calling the base withdrawal a “punishment” to save public face when really it’s probably Spain kicking out them. Similar to how Trump made big talk about bringing Iran to the stone age to make it look like Iran surrendered when it was the other way around to anyone with actually the ability to read.

    • 小莱卡@lemmygrad.mlOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      32
      ·
      25 days ago

      Could be. Regardless, it looks worse to frame it this way considering what happened to the gulf monarchies. Hosting US terrorist troops only makes you a legitimate target.

      • Large Cane Toad@lemmygrad.ml
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        17
        ·
        25 days ago

        In the case of the gulf states, I do think they (their ruling class) actually do need US bases since there is a very strong risk they would overthrown by anti-zionists and pan-arab nationalists if they expanded their own militaries beyond being a private security force made up of mercenaries. Their absolute domestic power comes at the cost of being unable to empower and trust their own citizens in any way and having to be puppets to a foreign power.

        • 小莱卡@lemmygrad.mlOP
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          16
          ·
          25 days ago

          I share the same view, i feel like they wouldn’t last 3 years without US weapons. Some of the monarchies are basically entirely populated by expats, UAE is like 90% expats and migrant workers from south asia.

        • stink@lemmygrad.ml
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          15
          ·
          25 days ago

          Woah woah woah! They trust their citizens! It’s just that 40% of their population is imported slave labor!

          Saudis are the most phrenology-pilled pieces of shit I’ve ever interacted with. Had a group project with a guy in college who said your last name shows how closely related you are to royalty and that determines whether you get respect from someone or not.