“The Iran war is undermining the Pentagon’s ability to project power in other regions of the world — and leaving allies and former defense officials questioning whether Washington can effectively deter its adversaries,” Politico reports.
“To focus resources in the Middle East, the Pentagon has pulled key air defenses and its last remaining aircraft carrier out of the Pacific. It has largely stopped maritime missions in the South China Sea aimed at curbing China’s territorial ambitions. And it has limited fighter jet rotations around Europe that defend NATO’s borders with Russia.”
“The notably reduced U.S. military presence in the Pacific and in Europe — and President Donald Trump’s conciliatory approach to traditional foes such as Russia and North Korea — has threatened the Pentagon’s influence around the world.”
