Why wars in the Middle East will cost the U.S. trillions more by Angry Planet published on 2016-07-21T23:44:14Z The United States is at war and has been for more than a decade. Although major combat operations in Iraq in Afghanistan have ended, America still maintains a presence in both and will for years to come. It also funds Syrian rebels, bombs Islamic State strongholds in the region and runs drones from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. With America fighting on so many fronts, it’s hard to understand the Pentagon’s strategy or the endgame for the various conflicts. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Andrew Bacevich says it feels that way because it is that way. According to Bacevich, the American military is fighting a war that began decades before 9/11. This week on War College, Bacevich walks us through what he calls America’s War With the Greater Middle East and tells us how it started and why he thinks it must end. Comment by johnkantor Lie much? 2016-09-01T17:56:51Z Comment by FJB MURICA 2016-08-30T22:47:52Z Comment by dell inspiron @ Around 12:55 minutes, I am totally disagree with Mr. Bacevich. Here is my take. Why do you think the US stays so involved in the Middle East when the US doesn’t rely on their oil nearly as much now? To answer this, you have to know the 4 facts below first. 2016-08-24T09:26:29Z Comment by Wm Scudder Well said. Only sorry that it now requires a historian to present the best current Middle East policy analysis. One of the definitions of insanity leaps to mind. I do appreciate the clarity Basevich brings to the discussion. Thank you. 2016-07-25T16:27:57Z Comment by caelx @david-kavich: If I were to place where the US first got entangled in the middle east, I'd say it was on the Great Bitter Lake when Eisenhower promised Saudi Arabia security for oil. 2016-07-25T10:00:09Z Comment by User 339578484 Really enjoying these episodes. Even when I think interviewees are somewhat misguided, additional perspectives helps understanding. 2016-07-22T10:05:11Z