Suri...

When Turkey, Iran and Russia meet to talk about the end of the war in Syria, they do so without the United States.

Since the end of the Cold War, the Middle East has remained perpetually near the top of the American foreign policy agenda, kept there by the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91, the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Arab Spring and the battle against the Islamic State.

American leaders have offered a range reasons for the great investment of American blood and treasure in the region.

But the concrete benefits of all that engagement pale in comparison to the size of the American efforts. In addition,  the Middle East primarily siphoned resources from other American priorities.   

The  step back was driven by a feeling that American military investment often make matters worse.  

American protection is no longer necessary to ensure the free flow of oil from the Persian Gulf. 

Comment : I could have told you that five years ago for Free.  Just a thought.