when you don't have to worry about getting your hands dirty. The European attitude is all too often one of arrogance because they are "enlightened" enough to think they're above taking responsibility for their own protection. Why grow up and accept adult responsibilities when the US is willing to do the dirty work and pay for it, too. The European nations were too weak and/or cowardly to handle the mess in the Balkans. They're too weak and/or cowardly to face the mess in the Middle East. Why bother, the US (and the UK) will handle it for them. This will allow the "enlightened" Europeans to still get their oil and business deals with the Middle East and to look down on the US at the same time - a twofer.