In the Middle Ages, there was an institution known as scutage. Vassal knights who did not want to fight in their lord's wars could buy themselves out of their feudal obligation with a sufficient donation. Now, the US seemingly wants to inflict this system on the rest of us:
The US is seeking $20bn from its allies to help stabilise Afghanistan as it plans to send thousands more of its own troops to confront the growing insurgency in the country, American officials disclosed yesterday.(Emphasis added).Robert Gates, the American defence secretary, said the US was considering a fundamental review of its strategy. But his message was clear - the US expected countries which did not contribute troops to Afghanistan to contribute money instead.
Note to the US: we are not your fucking vassals. If you want to bankrupt yourself and kill your children fighting a pointless war over a patch of worthless mountains in the middle of nowhere, then that's your own problem. But please don't expect the rest of us to share your insanity.
