Why has US policy fixation on the Middle East persisted for decades?

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The Enduring, Yet Outdated, US Policy Fixation on the Middle East

The United States' sustained policy focus on the Middle East, spanning decades, can be attributed to a confluence of historical inertia, a perceived, albeit now anachronistic, strategic imperative, and the inherent difficulty in disentangling from long-established global commitments. This enduring preoccupation, initiated in 1980, persists despite significant geopolitical and economic shifts, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the burgeoning economic influence of Asia. The continued presence of American troops, guarding arrangements that predate their service, underscores this persistent strategic posture, even as historical precedents suggest the pitfalls of such long-term engagements in distant regions.
The Genesis of a Long-Term Commitment

The strategic pivot towards the Middle East by the United States began in 1980, a period marked by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan and the Iranian Revolution. This confluence of events prompted President Jimmy Carter to declare the Persian Gulf a vital American interest. At the time, this rationale was grounded in the global reliance on Middle Eastern oil, a stark contrast to the current landscape where the US has emerged as a major energy producer. The world order and technological paradigms of 1980, when fax machines were considered cutting-edge, are vastly different from today's interconnected, digitally driven economy.
Outdated Doctrines in a Changed World

Despite the fundamental alterations in the global power structure and energy markets, the strategic doctrine established in 1980 has remained remarkably resilient. The Soviet Union no longer exists, and the economic growth epicentre has demonstrably shifted towards Asia, with significant development occurring from Bangalore to Shanghai. Furthermore, the rise of digital entrepreneurship, exemplified by teenagers building substantial companies from their homes, highlights a modern economic dynamism far removed from the geopolitical concerns of the late 20th century. Nevertheless, American military personnel continue to be deployed in the region, maintaining a geopolitical framework that is now over forty years old.
The Cost of Prolonged Engagements

The sustained military presence and interventions in the Middle East have incurred substantial financial and human costs. Researchers at Brown University estimate that the post-9/11 wars alone have amounted to approximately eight trillion dollars. This expenditure, from a comparative perspective, could have funded extensive infrastructure projects, such as continent-spanning high-speed rail networks or significant overhauls of national education systems. Beyond the financial burden, the human toll is profound, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands of lives lost, leaving entire generations to grow up amidst persistent conflict.
Questioning the Value of Enduring Presence

Proponents of maintaining American engagement in the Middle East often cite concerns that a withdrawal would embolden Iran, alienate regional allies, and create opportunities for China's increased influence. However, a critical question arises regarding the efficacy of forty-five years of military bases, advanced naval power, extensive intelligence networks, and formidable firepower. If these considerable assets have not instilled a sufficient sense of security among allies, it prompts an examination of what tangible benefits, beyond a potentially more expensive form of anxiety, have been achieved. The ongoing focus on the Middle East also stands in contrast to Washington's stated strategic priorities, which increasingly emphasize the Indo-Pacific and competition with China, suggesting a persistent pull of past commitments over future strategic imperatives.

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Why has US policy fixation on the Middle East persisted for decades?

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