[Austin Willard Wright]

Even better, let's stay out of that screwed up region once we have retaliated. What possible benefit could there be for the U.S. to become more deeply entangled there?

[Restorer]

What possible benefit could there be for the U.S. to become more deeply entangled there?

Ever hear of oil? For the US to withdraw from the Gulf and leave its oil to enemies would result in a massive reduction in American standard of living. Probably only temporary (5 years), since other resources could be tapped, but still.