Originally Posted by Rochard

Not needed. The United States can strike out at any country. We have enough bases strategically placed so we can quickly build up and strike.

I will admit, however, if you look at Iran.... Seems they are surrounded by US forces. Is it possible that, in the name of protecting Israel, the United States intentionally caused 9/11 to happen so we could invade Afghanistan knowing that it would be easy for us to create a reason to invade Iraq (again), which would leave Iran surrounded (and thus pretty much pissing in their pants?).

I don't believe in conspiracy theories at all. But from a strategic military stand point, this makes sense. If Iran so much as blinks, we are in perfect position.