South Korea, USA

American military presence throughout the world has often been marked by abuses against the local population. It's only natural; they are the conquerors or invaders, with the upper hand over everything. U.S. bases are the foci of resentment over the arrogance of power.

The latest incident -- this time in South Korea -- is typical. American military personnel intervened with three South Koreans in relation to a parking violation outside the base and ended up handcuffing them. This clearly shows that the Americans think that they have jurisdiction over the whole of South Korea, a country that has been beholden to the U.S. for the past 60 years, and whose sovereignty is questionable, at best.

The U.S. commander has apologized and suspended the soldiers involved. But, as long as that base and others like it remain there and elsewhere, American soldiers will continue to do do as they damn well please, and nothing will come of it.

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