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Winner for Aug. 23: US Defense Cuts - Empire on a Diet

The voting is closed.

This week, the news was abuzz with discussion of the US Congress and Secretary Gates' desire to cut the Defense Department's $700 billion annual budget. Pointing out that Pentagon operates over 700 bases in 130 countries, we asked what you wanted GlobalPost's reporters find out about this global force?

The winning idea requested a review of the most expensive bases to operate. Patrick Winn covered the story for GlobalPost, in The cost of an empire.
Guest suggests:

I'm interested in understanding South Africa's post-world cup economy, what is happening and in what sectors? Will the World Cup have a sustainable affect on South Africa, and if so, where should we be looking specifically to judge whether progress is sustainable or short-lived?
alexpearlman suggests:

A few possible story angles here:

One, of the 700-odd bases around the world, how many of them are in locales similar in climate to Russia, Germany or Japan, where it was necessary to train soldiers 50 years ago, but no longer? Let's close those.

Two, the people of Okinawa do not want a U.S. base and have been trying to get it shut down for years. Why aren't we shutting it down? It'll save money.

Three, I wonder, if the Pentagon's budget is cut, how much money will be taken from aid/peacekeeping missions and who will really bear the brunt of budget cuts?
Guest suggests:

I would like to see a review of America's military presence around the world with an on-the-ground view of the strategic importance of the 10 most expensive bases to operate.
Guest suggests:

I would like to see a story about what percentage of US bases are related to our military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, with a look how much those cost compared to bases in other places.
Hovel suggests:

The NY Times reported today that Venezuela's civilian death toll is much larger than Iraq and Mexico. Chavez denies that his government is responsible for the escalation, but numbers show otherwise. What are the underlying causes of this crime and how might this escalated crime affect the regions surrounding Venezuela, as well as other regions that Chavez has his hands in.
Guest suggests:

What is the appropriate budget for a military to keep an eye on China's rising power in Asia?