The usually well informed
Middle East Eye just reported that a decision may be near to remove the newly sent Patriot missile batteries and their American operators from Saudi Arabia. These were sent after the attacks on Saudi oil installations and before Covid-19 reduced worldwide oil demand. The Covid-induced decline in demand and oil price of course is destroying the U.S. domestic fracking oil industry.
It is too early to say exactly what is the reasoning of the Pentagon and White House for this reversal in policy, assuming it takes place (along with other rumored draw downs of U.S. military personnel in the Gulf). I have long strongly advocated a withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Mideast, an end to sanctions against Iran, and other similar changes in U.S. policy. It is
possible, as I have warned earlier, that the U.S. is re-configuating it’s policy to
allow for a shooting war with Iran. Reducing personnel will be good for Trump’s election chances, avoid excess U.S. casualties, protect U.S. ships, and make the U.S. seem less responsible as the outbreak of conflict devastates oil production — thus raising prices, saving U.S. oil, hurting China, and increasing U.S. leverage over its trading partners and competitors alike. Call me “suspicious,” “perspicacious,” or a “conspiracy theorist” ... but we have seen this kind of real politics before in the Middle East.
Removal of military equipment and personnel may mark end of military buildup countering Iran, officials tell Wall Street Journal
www.middleeasteye.net