THE PROBLEM WITH ALLIES

America’s many alliances, both formal and informal, are supposed to serve a purpose: enhance U.S. security. They are a means, not an end. Their effect might be to protect other nations, but their ultimate objective should be to make America safer.
   Yet Washington officials have come to treat military partners like Facebook friends, to be accumulated endlessly to win popular bragging rights. In which case Americans can easily claim victory. In recent years the U.S. added Montenegro and North Macedonia to NATO. Next up, the Duchy of Grand Fenwick? That would give the U.S. an insurmountable lead in the global friendship sweepstakes.
   In fact, now would be a good time to start the painful process of unfriending some useless or even counterproductive allies. That doesn’t mean treating them like enemies. Just wish them well and let them begin taking responsibility for their own problems — such as defending themselves, rather than expecting Uncle Sam to forever be a soft touch, with treasury doors wide open and troops ready to transport.