America has more than 750 military bases around the world, out of which 89 bases are in the Middle East. After increasing tensions with Iran and continuous missile-drone attacks, serious questions are being raised on the security of American military bases in Gulf countries. According to the Wall Street Journal report, Bahrain Naval Base alone has suffered a loss of Rs 400 million (about Rs 3,300 crore). Experts believe that these bases have now become strategically weak. For this reason, America is now preparing to increase its military presence towards western targets like Israel, Greece and Cyprus. Let us know where America’s important bases are in the Gulf and where preparations are being made to shift them. What is the reason for the change in America’s attitude? What impact will this have on India and the world?
Why does US have to change strategy?
General Kenneth F. was the head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) from March 2019 to April 2022. McKenzie Jr. says that America’s large and permanent military bases in the Middle East are no longer safe. He described Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base as a monument of old thinking. This base is just 100 miles away from Iran and has been an important military headquarters of America for a long time.
According to General McKenzie, these bases were built at a time when America’s focus was on Iraq, Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism. But now the method of war has changed. Today, due to satellite, drones and modern surveillance technology, large and permanent military bases can easily become targets.
Concern increased due to continuous attacks
After the Iran war that started in February, many American military bases were attacked.
- The American operations center located in Kuwait’s Shuaiba port was targeted, Camp Buehring was also attacked.
- Recently, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed attacks on 8 American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
- According to the Wall Street Journal, Bahrain’s Naval Support Activity Base alone has suffered a loss of $400 million.
This means that even America’s most secure locations are no longer completely safe.
Preparation to remove army even after agreement
Talks between America and Iran have started again. In the agreement (MoU) signed between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17, America has said that within 30 days of the final agreement, it will consider removing its forces from around Iran. Although this decision is still dependent on the final agreement, but according to reports, the Trump administration has already started looking for new military bases.
Where can new military bases be built?
According to experts, America is paying maximum attention to three countries.
- Israel: There is a strong air defense system here, so it is considered the safest option.
- Greece: Due to its proximity to Europe, it is considered strategically important.
- Cyprus: Its position in the Mediterranean Sea can give America better military access.
Former defense advisor Michael Rubin says that maintaining large military bases in countries like Qatar and Turkey is no longer a profitable deal for America.
What impact can it have on India?
1. Security concerns of Indians will increase
About 85 lakh Indians live and work in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. If the tension increases further, both their safety and employment may be affected. India receives a large amount of remittances from foreign countries every year, in which Gulf countries have the biggest contribution. If instability increases there, it may affect India’s economy and foreign exchange reserves.
2. Responsibility of Indian Navy may increase
If America reduces its military presence in areas like Bahrain and Qatar, then a large part of maritime security may fall on regional countries including the Indian Navy. This may increase India’s responsibility on the Arabian Sea and surrounding sea routes. India has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. In such a situation, if regional tensions increase further, it may become even more challenging for India to maintain a balanced foreign policy.
Is the world’s military strategy changing?
Defense experts believe that Ukraine and Israel-Iran conflict have shown that future wars will not be fought with large permanent military bases, but with fast, flexible and technology-based military systems. Big bases are no longer as safe as before and maintaining them is also becoming extremely expensive.
Also read: Afghanistan retaliates against PAK, airstrike on ISIS targets
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