The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
America Shouldn’t Let Go of the Middle East
English Summary
While acknowledging that past U.S. military overreach has been costly and counterproductive, the analysis argues that the United States should not withdraw from the Middle East. Remaining core interests include critical energy supplies, preventing nuclear proliferation, and maintaining deep economic ties with wealthy Gulf partners. Therefore, U.S. strategy must pivot away from large-scale military interventions toward a disciplined 'middle course.' This new approach requires maintaining a smaller military footprint while prioritizing diplomacy, economic engagement, and strategic partnerships to manage regional instability.
中文摘要
儘管承認過去美國軍事過度介入的行為已帶來高昂且事與願違的代價，本分析指出，美國不應從中東地區撤退。其核心利益包括確保關鍵能源供應、防止核武擴散，以及維持與富裕海灣夥伴的深厚經濟聯繫。因此，美國的戰略必須從大規模軍事干預轉向一種有紀律的「中間路線」。這種新方法要求維持較小的軍事部署，同時將重點放在外交、經濟參與和戰略夥伴關係，以管理區域不穩定性。
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