That’s the reason they gave. And it does resemble parts of the Middle East. It doesn’t resemble parts of Central Asia, which some folks around here is in the Middle East.
Funny that generals have stood on TV and refereed to Stan is middle east. I guess you don’t understand the concept of a catch all term.
The reason is bs.
On the face of it.
Tell them to come up with something better that doesn’t fall apart after looking up Fort Irwin NTC.