The Fight Against School Mask Tyranny

Is America About to Pull Back From the Middle East?

As the war with Iran continues, Washington is already confronting a major question: what should America’s military footprint in the Middle East look like when the fighting ends? Steve Yates tells Mike Baker that changes in warfare, stronger regional partners and the growing use of long-range strikes and economic pressure could allow the United States to reduce its presence without abandoning the region. He explains why America is unlikely to close its bases or withdraw entirely, but could rely more heavily on allies, mobile forces and a smaller permanent footprint. Mike Baker speaks with Steve Yates, former deputy national security advisor to the vice president, about what the Iran war has revealed, how America’s military posture has changed since 9/11, and why a pullback from the Middle East would not necessarily mean a retreat.