America’s Gulf Bases Are Turning Allies into Targets

There is a hard truth Gulf capitals do not like to say aloud: hosting an American base does not only buy protection. It also rents out geography. It turns ports, airfields and small countries into possible addresses in a war they may not have chosen and cannot easily control. That truth became impossible to hide after Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in response to US strikes. The details will be argued over, as they always are in war. Officials will speak of interceptions, limited damage and military readiness. Washington will insist that its regional posture deters danger. Gulf governments will try to reassure their publics. But the political meaning is already clear. When the United […]