In answer to the thread question,
Yes.
In support of said answer, we had a discussion nearly two years ago - e.g., some posts in it:
BW: What would "moderate" look like...
jmm99: What would "moderate" look like... part 1 and What would "moderate" look like... part 2
We could today be discussing the very same issues without substantial changes in what is expressed - and in fact we are ! :eek:
We (US) have various open-source (and perhaps classified) "partnership agreements" with the GoA (initiated in the Bush administration and confirmed early on in the Obama administation). Based on the open-source documents, these are legally Presidential Executive Agreements; and could be legally terminated by the US.
With respect to the region (South Asia), I'd like to see all US military forces withdrawn - you all know my boundary lines; and that "Never Again" has a "but..." attached to it. One "but" could be direct actions of the type we have just witnessed.
Further with respect to the projection of non-military US capabilities, we would continue and rely on:
1. Diplomatic under DoS.
2. USIA - yup, good old agitprop under an agency independent of State.
3. USAID - yup, good old focused on local developmental liaison (tied into US trade and commerce) under an agency independent of State.
4. Peace Corps
5. Intelligence (Gathering and Analysis) - You decide on the organizational setup.
Not very isolationist, but it would be as non-interventionist as possible.
The key concept would be to move away from "partnership agreements" (and the "dammit, we made a contract" mentality) and into personal, emotional relationships with the people of South Asia.
Since I'm not "touchy feely", it ain't that - or close to that. What I'm talking about is mutual respect and communication based on shared, enlightened self-interests.
So, "Who [and Where] is John Galt?"
Regards
Mike
PS: Ray, sometimes I change my mind - temporarily hanging my Nehru jacket on the shelf (ha, ha).