Experts express concern that reducing U.S. military presence in the Middle East could negatively impact stability. Raphael Cohen highlights the necessity of U.S. rapid-response capabilities in a volatile region. General Frank McKenzie stresses the importance of maintaining a presence for U.S. and Gulf state interests against threats like Iran. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper emphasizes a conditions-based assessment for future military posture, noting that insights could change as regional dynamics evolve.
"There's an assumption underlying that general argument of, 'Well, if only the United States was to pull out of the region, suddenly the world will be a better place' - I don't buy it," said Raphael Cohen, emphasizing the importance of U.S. bases for rapid response in a volatile region.
General McKenzie stated, "It certainly serves our interest to maintain a presence in the region. And it certainly serves the interests of the Gulf states and other states as well that we be there in order to give them additional stability as they confront the threat from Iran."
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper mentioned, "Our approach today is to assess and move forward on a conditions-based assessment... that assessment in the future could look different than it does today, perhaps."
#us-military-presence #middle-east-stability #national-security #us-foreign-policy #rapid-response-capability
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