A confidential document tells of US apprehension over tensions at the Korean peninsula. US President Barack Obama's official policy regarding North Korea is what analysts call "engagement policy". Three years back, writing for Foreign Policy, Obama termed his view on how America should conduct itself with the North, he wrote that US policy must be a "sustained, direct and aggressive diplomacy." Now, some analysts say, this might change after the North tested another nuclear missile (underground test) last May. But, shortly after the June 15 meeting, it seems that Obama has not changed tack. And Forbes magazine seems to fear that Obama is just another Carter when it comes to foreign policy.
What analysts probably misread about Obama's action is his tendency to use every available diplomatic tactic first before he deploys armed forces. That is what he did in Afghanistan. More than this though, Obama seems to be totally agreeable on strengthening US military might first before implementing any military action against the North.
Now, before anti-nukes activist balk, let me just say that the US needs a military base only as refuelling, landing and ammo dump---nothing more. In a sustained fight with the North, the US needs closer areas where they can immediately refuel and possibly, arm their subs and carriers and fighters.
With this in mind, the possibility of further strengthening US military facilities inside the AFP Western Mindanao military base in Zamboanga is, I think, a top Obama concern. US forces need strategically placed launching pads to strengthen the US Pacific fleet. And Mindanao seems a very good place to actually have one, since their Diego Garcia base (which serves as their present refueling station), is a good hundreds of miles away.
IN an event of an armed engagement with the North, that would probably happen in the South China sea, in the air and eventually, some nuclear strikes. Now, what is dangerous is the high possibility of Mindanao as one of the North's target should that happen. Probably, that's why Mrs. Arroyo visited South Korea?
Are we expecting also a possible re-activation of the Subic and Clark military bases and a possible installation of another one in Ilocos and Cagayan? And is this the topic of interest between the two leaders come July 30? Will Obama request such accommodations from the Philippine government? And what would be the concessions? Would Obama sacrifice democracy and stability in the Philippines in exchange for the return (of the comeback) of the US bases?
I would hope the US would establish a base. It would serve two purposes - first to keep N. Korea in check and second, let the Muslims know that the Americans are concerned about muslim terrorisism in Mindanano
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