Get a clue Church.
The US has had substantial forces in the Persian Gulf area since the oil shocks of the mid 70's, at the invitation of the oil producers.
How many lives do you wish to give up, and do cleanup after it goes to hell in a handbasket.
I suppose you want to personally decontaminate Isreal after the Iranians and Saudis get done.
You have to think strategically.
60 years of Cold war and I would be willing to bet you didnt bitch when the Conus was about to be nuked.
But then that's too many resources for security.
You didnt hear dick about the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that kept Saudi Wahhabist for the intervening years post Gulf War 1. That war ended - when -1991.
WTF do you think the military has been doing since then; sitting on their thumbs?
The Cole, the bombings at Dharan, Somalia - how much crap do you want to take from 3rd world tinhorns?
The Persian Gulf countries want us there because we are their customers - we buy their oil.
It's not about oil- Its about keeping stability amongst the sand goblins, thats the whole reason we are there.
If they end up a democracy, versus a theocracy that's a plus.
Too much blood has been and will be shed in the AOR, the region is vital to our national interests to simply withdraw.
I dont suppose you would be content to live an agrarian lifestyle and ride a horse or an ass, your posts are not logical from a tactical or strategic military standpoint.
If you want the GI's out of Centcom's AOR, then you better get your ass busy inventing fusion and hydrogen fuel, and homegrown energy systems. Until then GI's will be there, there will be huge amounts of stored war readiness materiel and bases ready for GI's to return to, including Iraq.
Syria and Iran had better clean up their acts.
2000 lives is a pittance compared to deaths from medical malpractice and gangbanging in urban areas. Check the stats.
A young soldier is more likely to die at home on leave that in the AOR.
But you thing US military lives and national interests are meaningless and should be poll driven.
Enough of your drivel.
...CHEERS!