The big mistake America made was not to have withdrawn our troops from Europe and shut down NATO at the end of the Cold War. This simply re-enforced European dependency upon the United States and left them free to be Allies In Name Only. The Europeans have atrophied militaries because we wouldn't let them grow up and assume responsibility for their own defense. That's an unhealthy relationship and it has got to change.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus