The Senate Foreign Relations Committee just released a report [PDF] on US policy in the Middle East. Much of the study describes how Washington will maintain key military bases and troop presence throughout the entire region and how to overcome challenges to maintaining such dominance, which is vital because the region is “home to more than half of the world’s oil reserves and over a third of its natural gas.”
One excerpt stuck out in which the Committee admits that US military presence in the region as well as US support for brutal dictatorships has generated widespread hatred and blowback. According to the report, the challenge is to maintain the imperial dominance over the region, but avoid the messy “backlash” and embarrassing support for “human rights abuses.”
The United States must carefully shape its military presence so as not to create a popular backlash, while retaining the capability to protect the free flow of critical natural resources and to provide a counterbalance to Iran. Earlier American deployments in Saudi Arabia and Iraq generated violent local opposition. What the West views as a deterrent against aggression could also be misconstrued or portrayed as an occupying presence.
As is usual, the most fundamental facts about US foreign policy toward the Middle East are openly talked about in high-level government agencies and bureaucracies, even while they remain too treasonous to explain on network news. What is striking is that Washington continues to insist on maintaining this military and economic dominance over the region, despite the horrors it has caused for the populations and for the safety of the US (think 9/11, which was a direct response to this kind of interventionism).
The United States should preserve the model of ‘‘lily pad’’ bases throughout the Gulf, which permits the rapid escalation of military force in case of emergency. The Obama administration has adopted this architecture by retaining only essential personnel in the region while ensuring access to critical hubs such as Camp Arifjan [in Kuwait], Al Udeid [Qatar], Al Dhafra [in the UAE], Jebel Ali [in the UAE], and Naval Support Activity Bahrain. An agile footprint enables the United States to quickly deploy its superior conventional force should conflict arise, without maintaining a costly and unsustainable presence. Sustaining physical infrastructure and enabling functions such as intelligence, surveillance, and logistics, while keeping certain war reserve materiel forward positioned, is more important than deploying large numbers of U.S. forces.
Preserving the model of “lily pad” bases peppered throughout the Gulf, which are afforded to Washington because it bribes undemocratic regimes with money and weapons, is how Washington maintains overweening power over the most geo-politically vital region in the world. This has been US policy since WWII, as a Top Secret National Security Council briefing put it in 1954, “the Near East is of great strategic, political, and economic importance,” as it “contains the greatest petroleum resources in the world” as well as “essential locations for strategic military bases in any world conflict.” After Obama administration failed in its efforts to maintain a large contingent of US forces in Iraq, following their predecessors launching of a criminal war there, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said he envisions about 40,000 troops will be stationed in the Middle East going forward.
Not only does this lead to US support for all kinds of repression and state terror, but it is detrimental to US security in the long term. The “backlash” the Committee is so worried about cannot be avoided and the veritable garrisoning of Iran’s surroundings makes the Islamic Republic more guarded, which amplifies tensions and increases the likelihood of unnecessary conflict. The alternative, minding our own business, is incomprehensible.
Excellent post. Yep – it's damned unfortunate that foreigners misconstrue US military bases as "an occupying presence."
It astounds me – it shouldn’t, but still – how they address, as hypothetical, the very backlash they’ve created, of which the backlash is also the excuse (though not labeled as such, because questioning why we’re there is forbidden) for why we must keep an alert presence, taking care not to cause backlash, as we cause backlash with our backlash— and that is where I lose my mind.
"Washington continues to insist on maintaining this military and economic dominance over the region, despite the horrors it has caused for the populations and for the safety of the US (think 9/11, which was a direct response to this kind of interventionism)."
No John……….. NO !!! More the opposite……
"(think 9/11, which was a direct response to this kind of interventionism)."
More like 911 was affected to justify "this kind of interventionism)." *It came WITH the instant gratification of the Iraq Petro smash and grab too. Which came first, the chicken or the egg…… is always a problem,. for some…!!! STOP BUYING THEIR IMPERIAL LIES & COVER-UPS..!!!
In this report they have a very special understanding of supporting "regional security" in the Gulf region.
Starting the "arab revolutions" there and two wars (Libya and Syria), arming any group of extreme islamist that as proxy fighters shall take down the relatively open, liberal, non-religion-extremists, more democratic and somehow "socialist" Regimes, and strongly arming the Saudis, Qataris may be good for the defense industry of the USA, but I doubt that gain on security for the USA when they arm those who have the oil.
But nevertheless, thank you very much for sending this report – after this introduction, I will read the summary now.
Every time America kills the innocent family members in these countries (Are not the citizens innocent, too?) the rage increases. We the People of America are being FORCED to pay and be complicit in all US foreign policy. Those who claim to represent us DO NOT! American citizens are forced to suffer daily in massive numbers for this hegemony that we do NOT WANT. That America is increasingly closing (becoming Fascist) is too obvious to ignore. That these who rule the world are murderous, robbing thieves is also obvious! America: The Land of the Oppressed, Depressed, and Suppressed Masses Forced Into Subservience to the Reich! And that's democracy now? NO MORE WARS.
The hubris of this document is breathtaking
The story of all empires.
I wonder how much we’ll hear about this in the upcoming election debates. The Republicans candidates have been openly
You know, this is one of those perennial stories that no matter when you read it, it still holds true. USA as occupying presence… with lily pad bases sprinkled across the region… and 18 year-old-gamers in uniforms with their trigger-fingers ready to play with drones. I feel sooooo much safer… not!
I agree with Jim Bovard. Very unfortunate
Great article!
Loved the article, now watch out for the backlash.
Take a look at these pictures!
Moviescapital is one of the best online movie services around. It gives members the option to stream
and download unlimited amounts of movies to their computers, laptops and phones..watch this video: http://youtu.be/dGl7VPZjaoE
Amazing Post. Is incredible, these days….
Visiting this site i see the holy Bible being fulfilled. Wars, wars and rumors of war indeed. Anyway, no need worrying about them as they are all prophesy fulfillment. I prefer to take a swim. Why not with the best waterproof fitness activity tracker for swimming? http://trackingforfitness.com/?p=1431
hey, good articles and nice point of view
Yep, I agree!!
Nice Title. Great Read. added to my feed. Antiwar blog all I need
you can check my shortest video in youtube now
#1 Omega 3 1000mg Fish Oil Softgels – Pure Form Omega 3 – Massive 1000mg Omega 3 Fatty Acids With High EPA and DHA – 60 Day Guarantee – Reduces Inflammation and Joint Pain – Improves Skin, Mood and Eye Function – Guaranteed Pure Form Omega 1000mg!
Keep saving lives
Very good quality of omega 3. I am very happy with this purchase for my husband. I am so glad KayBo Health has this 1000 mg soft gel for my husbands heart.
S.S
At the end you will be given a file with direct links to your comments
Very interesting informative. thanks.
Thank you for the posting very amaze.
Thank you for sharing this blog.
Type your name, email, video link and comment
Interesting… this is exactly what's been hovering my mind recently.. then got distracted upon stumbling on this documentary on Kurt Cobain… It's called Montage of Heck, You can can watch Montage of Heck Streaming Online here.
The Mustang has actually consistently delivered advancement after innovation, pressing its limits, to give us not just an attractive muscle car but additionally an astonishing drive.
Stripped bass can be caught by a number of baits and this striped bass fishing tip should help you to decipher which type of bait to bring with you on your trip.
Your pug needs a stimulating environment if it is going to live a long and healthy life.
3 Biceps Workouts For Mass Here’s some great workouts to get bigger biceps..
A muscle car is a term provided special high efficiency automobiles.
They spend money for fishing for they can earn from this.
Training is the only way that you can prevent this from happening.
When eating these fish, environmental toxins such as PCBs are often a concern. Our supplements are rigorously tested and guaranteed to be within the safety guidelines established by the OEHHA.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE PHYTOCERAMIDES ON AMAZON – Kaybo Health's Phytoceramides only use premium quality, scientifically tested ingredients, and vegetarian capsules.
The Mustang was brought to people in the New York’s World Fair in 1964 and had one of the most successful launching in automobile history.
The publicity around bass fishing is part of why it gets come to be incredibly popular.
The lack of a screening process as with pet shelters or rescue teams makes pet dog dispensaries more popular among pet fans.
WorkoutPrograms.net is dedicated to providing quality information about workout programs and workout equipments.
Omega 3
Timex Men’s T5K237 1440 “Sports” Digital Watch with Black and Silver-Tone Resin Band
WHY ORDER OUR OMEGA 3 FISH OIL SOFTGELS: 100 softgels of our best Omega-3 Fish Oil Pills balanced formula are clinically proven to support your heart, joint, skin and cognitive health!
To celebrate the launch of every new product, KayBo Health will always happily give discount and special coupons to all of our loyal customers and members of our Review Club.
This lavishly illustrated work walks readers through Mustang's 50-plus years of continuous production – a rich and varied history nearly unmatched in the automotive world.
This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Running a Bass Fishing Boat.
The Anxiety Wraps a cuddle in a blanket which provides instant therapy for dogs afraid of storms, loud noises, travel, strangers and separation.
In order to reduce injury, it is important to have the proper form when you are walking.