Anthony Cordesman on U.S. Strategy in the Persian Gulf

http://csis.org/files/publication/110414_US_Strategy_Gulf.pdf

Cordesman's comments begin: During the course of the next year, the US must fundamentally reshape its strategy and force posture for the Gulf.  This involves challenges which would require it to decide on how to restructure its entire force posture in the Gulf as it leaves Iraq, and deal with steadily increasing strategic competition with Iran. It also, however, involves challenges that go far beyond the military dimension. For what may well by the next half-decade, the US will have to deal with a new, uncertain, and constantly changing mix of regimes and regional politics. It will need a civil-military strategy and one geared towards uncertainty and change.
Meeting New Politico-Military Challenges on Every Front