"Policeman to the world" is an old phrase used to cover all of the U. S. actions around the world where military forces were involved. Many unnecessary.

1992, Colin Powell, and perhaps much earlier-
"I'd sort of like to say we're not the superpower or super-policeman of the world, but when there is trouble somewhere in the world that we least expect, it's the United States that gets called on to perform the role of being the cop on the beat."

Military retribution for what?

Bin Laden- they seek him here, they seek him there-
Those yankees seek him everywhere-
Is he in heaven or is he in hell?
That demmed elusive bin Laden
.......................
If you should see him, please do give a yell !