It's unclear to me what it is that the 'winner' gets.

The historian Niall Ferguson has a quote that seems relevant: "The Middle East is not so much a clash of cultures, but a culture of clashes". I hate even saying this, but it just seems like the tribes of the ME will continue killing each other regardless of what we do or don't do. I truly hope I am wrong and that eternal peace is right around the corner.

America has tried (and screwed up) every option. Except the option of just leaving the theatre altogether. So, let's try that and hope for the best. America sure as hell hasn't made things better for anyone, including America.

Every country in the history of the earth that I am aware of deploys assets to protect the natural resources that their economies depend upon. It's actually the point of having a country. But, thanks to fracking, America simply no longer has any need for ME oil.

So, what are we doing there again?

It is such a difficult topic. If we stay, we might be able to eradicate Isis but we could also get bogged down in a long-term battle. If we go we could open a vacuum in which Isis thrives. It’s a lose lose

Spent 8 years in the Air Force. Still trying to figure out what the ROI is on that mess.