From Crisis to Global Bases
September 11This thread connects the post-attack security rationale to the durable military infrastructure established in Central Asia.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
War Opens Access

War Opens Access
A new strategic foothold
The war in Afghanistan accompanies a major expansion of the United States military presence into Central Asia.
A lasting consequence
The author treats the bases as a structural change, not merely a temporary feature of battlefield operations.
Bases Beyond the Battlefield

Bases Beyond the Battlefield
Regional positioning
The bases give the United States a more secure military position in Central Asia.
Wider strategic uses
Their importance is connected to regional resources and the ability to act beyond the immediate war zone.
The Gulf Network

The Gulf Network
Pacific to Atlantic reach
The author describes a system of bases targeting the Gulf that extends from the Pacific to the Azores.
Central Asia added
The new installations improve this network and help encircle major energy resources in the Gulf region.
Corporate and Resource Interests

Corporate and Resource Interests
Economic dimension
The bases are associated with multinational corporations under United States dominance and their interest in considerable regional resources.
Geopolitical competition
The author calls this the contemporary Great Game, joining military access to the contest over resources.
Future Intervention Capacity

Future Intervention Capacity
Easier action
The improved position makes energetic intervention easier if leaders consider it appropriate.
The question of purpose
The passage ends by emphasizing capacity while leaving future targets and decisions unspecified.
At the start of the Afghanistan war
As the new installations take shape
During the explanation of the base system
As the Great Game comparison appears
At the end of the base-system argument