[lp boonie]

Iran is either a credible threat to the U.S. or not. If it is, we want bases there and if not, get out. I actually think Iran is a very real threat, mostly by igniting a world war. Assetts in the region let us parlay and leverage resistance to Iran's intentions. Once you leave, it is really hard to get back in and reestablish a base of operations. The mistake, of course, and cited by others on this forum, was the Bushinistas toppling Saddam. Saddam was the balance to Iran. He was weak enough militarily (Iran's army was 2 to 3 times as big as Iraq's) that he had to convince everyone he had weapons of mass destruction (bio and chemical). He did a good job of that and ironically resulted in his demise. But that is looking back, now Iran is unleashed and the U.S. and Israel, mostly Israel with the Biden administration, is really what is keeping Iran in check.

[Alberta's Child]

If it is, we want bases there and if not, get out.

If it means "bases there" in friendly countries that want us there, then maybe.

If it means "bases there" in sovereign countries that do not want us there, then hell no.