[frog in a pot]

By failing to decisively win Desert Storm in 1991 Bush locked us in a full body hug with the Middle East tar-baby ever since. Trump is trying to pry the USA off the ME Tarbaby but it not going to be easy or quick.

Good summary whether one is a D or an R.

A "decisive win" by US military ought to include remaining until the region is stable, just as was done with Japan and Germany after WW2.

If we invest blood and treasure it should be with the intent of leaving as much of a permanent USA imprint as is feasible.

We shouldn't get involved unless we can commit to such an undertaking (and I consider myself some sort of a "hawk".)

American blood is too precious to be spent on halfhearted, inconclusive efforts.

[MNJohnnie]

Win and leave is the only workable strategy in the ME. We have the ability to project power at will into the area. What we seeing since 1991 is why you do not STAY in the ME.

Old Arab saying

Me against my brother

Me and my brother against the family

Me, my brother and the family against the clan

Me my brother, the family and the clan against all other tribes

Me, my brother, the family and all the clans against the Infidel

If you stay on the ground in the ME you end up trying to play policeman over tribal gang warfare going back across the last millennium.