tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805664.post-71701010147957096272008-02-13T07:03:00.000+09:002008-02-13T07:03:00.000+09:002008-02-13T07:03:00.000+09:00David,<BR/><BR/>An "equal treaty" isn't really possible as the purpose for the US of stationing troops is force projection. In other words, it's part of the American empire's approach to influencing Asia. An "equal" approach would be for US forces to leave Japan, and for the two countries to maintain all their other ties.<BR/><BR/>Some of this discussion seems a bit unreal, however, such as drawing down forces by 2017. The US seems to be in serious relative decline, so maintaining so many bases around the world may have to end a lot sooner than 2017, at least in my opinion.Willienoreply@blogger.com