Bryan Clark appears on ChinaTalk to discuss the United States military build-up in the Middle East and the importance of getting a return on investment for such a large-scale deployment. Clark notes that direct financial cost may not currently be substantial, but there may be long-term budgeting challenges if large, sustained deployments continue.
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A weapon is mounted on the Lehit ground robotic system, developed by specialists of the International Legion under the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, during a demonstration in Ukraine on December 9, 2025. (Getty Images)