@sudoedit Those are fair points, but there aren't simply the extremes of isolationist and interventionist positions. These were combat troops stationed there.
Besides, while you pointed out that we weren't initially uninvited, it is also clear we are no longer welcome to be there, so leaving was the right call. I wouldn't call this a very effective campaign or use of our resources by any measure, nor a good reason to keep troops away from their families.