The Burdens of Empire

It’s difficult to imagine, but US Fifth Fleet might soon be… homeless. Strategy Page has the story:

The United States is quietly looking for another country, on the west coast of the Persian Gulf, to host an American naval base. This is because months of political unrest in Bahrain has put the American base there in danger. So the U.S. Navy is looking at the possibility, and cost, of moving the Bahrain base to Dubai or Qatar. The navy is not happy about making the move, as it would be expensive and disruptive. But if the unrest in Bahrain continues, and escalates, there may be no choice.

I’m picturing an admiral on the streets of some dusty Arab town, holding up a sign saying “Will protect shipping lanes for shelter.”