The United States, often regarded as a superpower, plays a pivotal role in global conflicts, asserting its influence under the banners of peace negotiations or by assisting its allies. This status is supported by an extensive military network featuring bases around the world. According to Professor David Wynne of American University’s political anthropology department, as of 2021, the U.S. maintains 750 military installations across 80 countries, including 120 bases in Japan, 119 in Germany, and 73 in South Korea. Additionally, a significant military presence has been established in Western Asia.
Recent conflicts, such as the Israel-Iran skirmish, saw U.S. intervention, including airstrikes on nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran had targeted American bases in the region, with attacks reported on installations in Qatar and Iraq.
Key Locations in Western Asia
As of June 2025, approximately 40,000 American troops are stationed in Western Asia, primarily on naval ships, with the remainder distributed across 19 military bases. Key locations include Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, with eight permanent bases among them.
The U.S.'s military footprint in Western Asia dates back to July 1958, when the first base was established amidst the Lebanon crisis. A prime example of this presence is the Al Udeid military base, located just outside Doha, Qatar, spanning 24 hectares and serving as the headquarters for U.S. Central Command. This base, the largest air facility in the region, hosts around 10,000 personnel and manages operations from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east.
In Iraq, the Al Asad Air Base in western Anbar Province collaborates with NATO forces and provides support to Iraqi troops; it faced an attack from Iran in 2020. The Erbil Air Base, located in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, serves both American and coalition forces, focusing on combat training.
In Bahrain, the U.S. base at Al Udeid is critical for naval operations, housing 8,300 troops, while the Arifjan and Ali Al Salem bases in Kuwait are essential for regional operations, located a mere 40 kilometres from the Iraqi border.
Additionally, Camp Buhang was established during the 2003 Iraq War and continues to provide services in Iraq and Syria. In the UAE, Al Dhafra Air Base works closely with the UAE Air Force, playing a significant role in countering ISIS. Meanwhile, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, although not officially designated as a military base, supports U.S. Navy operations, equipped to handle aircraft carriers and other vessels.
In Saudi Arabia, the Prince Sultan Air Base, situated 60 kilometres south of Riyadh, houses 2,321 American personnel as of 2024, coordinated with the Saudi government for defense systems. The Muwaffak Al Salti Air Base near Jordan's capital, Amman, accommodates the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, while the Al Tanfa Garrison in southern Syria stands at the crossroads of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. This base made headlines in January 2024 when three American soldiers lost their lives in an Iranian attack.
Sustaining Global Military Leadership
The extensive network of U.S. military bases across the globe not only reflects America's strategic interests but also underlines its commitment to exercising influence and maintaining operations in key geopolitical regions.
The United States aims to assert its military influence on a global scale, facilitating swift responses to emerging threats. Military installations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East enable the U.S. to rapidly engage in crises, as seen in NATO operations and counterterrorism efforts in regions such as Africa and the Middle East. Numerous U.S. bases are strategically positioned to defend allied nations—such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany—against potential hostilities from adversaries including North Korea, Russia, and China.
Security Treaties After 9/11 Attacks…
The U.S. underscores its commitment to these allies through security agreements and treaties like NATO. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the United States expanded its military presence in the Middle East and Africa, notably in locations like Djibouti, intending to tackle extremist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. These bases play a critical role in conducting drone operations, gathering intelligence, and executing Special Forces missions. U.S. bases positioned near vital trade corridors—such as the Strait of Hormuz and the South China Sea—are essential for safeguarding oil supplies and shipping routes.
Additionally, these installations bolster the U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Asia and Africa. Many U.S. military bases, particularly in countries like Germany and Japan, were established in the aftermath of World War II and during the Cold War. Recent additions, such as bases in Poland and the Philippines, reflect the evolving landscape of global threats posed by nations like Russia and China.
Debate over the Presence of U.S. Army Camps
Sovereignty concerns are the main and focal point in the debate. Some countries, particularly regions like Okinawa in Japan, have voiced opposition to the U.S. military footprint. It is also leading to geopolitical strains. Bases located in the South China Sea and adjacent to Russia, such as those in Romania, may inadvertently heighten international tensions. Meanwhile, US citizen feel their country is facing a lot of financial burden. As per the official sources, the annual cost of maintaining these bases runs into billions of dollars, prompting discussions about fiscal responsibility.
