For the real news of the summit was contained — not in President Bushâs words but in the official communiqué released at the same time. Bear with me: I know it is dull reading, but itâs very important.
âIn the context of modernizing the alliance, the two leaders agreed to work out plans to consolidate U.S. forces around key hubs and to relocate the Yongsan garrison at an early date. President Bush pledged to consult closely with President Roh on the appropriate posture for USFK during the transition to a more capable and sustainable U.S. military presence on the peninsula. They shared the view that the relocation of U.S. bases north of the Han River should be pursued, taking careful account of the political, economic and security situation on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia.â Let me now translate:
U.S. forces in Korea are today concentrated near the border between North and South Korea — the famous DMZ, demilitarized zone. There they are easy targets for North Koreaâs masses of old-fashioned artillery. Because they are so vulnerable, US forces are in effect hostages. If for example the US were to hit North Koreaâs nuclear plants, the lives of thousands of American soldiers would be put at risk.
Which is why soft-liners like President Roh Moo-Hyun — who used to oppose the U.S. presence in South Korea — now wish to keep US troops shoved right up against the DMZ. They may say they want the troops to deter North Korea — but they know full well that the vulnerability of those troops in fact deters the United States from confronting North Korea.
For the decade since North Koreaâs blackmail campaign began in 1993, those 40,000 US troops on the peninsula have stayed put, under the Northâs guns. Now suddenly we learn that American forces will be redeploying in the south — out of reach of the Northâs guns, but close enough to be used as a striking force if need be. South of the Han River, those forces cease to be hostages, and become again dangerous and deadly fighters. Bushâs drab communiqué is the first giant step toward regaining the ability to fight effectively in Northeast Asia. |