[dirtboy]

I'm also against a long-term commitment there. I think all of our troops should be out by the end of the decade.

The Brits had a philosophy about Western Europe - keep the Americans in, the Germans down and the Russians out.

And now the Middle East is becoming the focal point of the global economy - Dubai, UAE, the Saudis - with all the petrodollars pouring in. This is not just about killing terrorists, but keeping a military presence in the region keeps regimes nervous.

And EEE, you're the exception - you disagree with Paul's stance on the war. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, Paul's anti-war stance is his main selling point to the bulk of his supporters - his support is higher than historical libertarian baselines.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

This is not just about killing terrorists, but keeping a military presence in the region keeps regimes nervous.

At what costs though. Gates is asking for another $190 billion to sustain operations. Where is the money going to come from?