It may have merit. But I think there are enough freedom-loving Iranians in Iran to change things for the better with a little help from their friends. As far as having a base in the area, I think we would be stupid to pull up stakes in Iraq when things settle down there.
For all the blood our warriors spilled on their behalf, we have earned the right to maintain a permanent quick-strike, anti-terrorist base on Iraqi soil. If we clear out completely without having that facility, I think our entire operation there will prove to have been in vain.
What better location in the M/E could there be for us to maintain a presense in the world-wide, long-term war against terrorists? IMO.