Meaning: This quote by Jose Saramago, the renowned Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize laureate, reflects a geopolitical perspective on the strategic importance of the Middle East to the United States. Saramago's statement suggests that the U.S. perceives the Middle East as a crucial region through which it can assert control over access to Asia, and that it has already taken steps to establish a military presence in the area, specifically mentioning Uzbekistan.

The quote touches upon several complex and contentious issues, including geopolitics, military strategy, and international relations. To fully understand the significance of Saramago's statement, it is essential to delve into the historical context, the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, and the United States' involvement in the region.

The Middle East has long been a focal point of global geopolitical interest due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its vast energy resources, particularly oil, have made the region a critical factor in global economic and political calculations. Additionally, the Middle East's proximity to Asia, with its rapidly growing economies and emerging global powers, further enhances its strategic importance.

The United States' involvement in the Middle East can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it began to establish strategic alliances and interests in the region. The end of World War II and the subsequent Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union further solidified the U.S.'s interest in the Middle East, leading to the development of alliances with key regional players and the establishment of military bases.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant shift in global geopolitics, allowing the United States to expand its influence and military presence in regions that were previously under the influence of the Soviet bloc. Central Asia, including countries like Uzbekistan, became part of this new geopolitical landscape, with the U.S. seeking to establish military installations and partnerships in the region.

Saramago's assertion about the U.S. needing to control the Middle East as the gateway to Asia can be interpreted as a reflection of the broader geopolitical strategy pursued by the U.S. in the post-Cold War era. The U.S. has sought to maintain its influence in the Middle East to safeguard its economic and strategic interests, as well as to counter potential rivals, particularly in the context of the rise of China as a global power.

From a military standpoint, the establishment of military installations in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries can be seen as part of the U.S.'s efforts to project power and maintain a strategic presence in the region. These military installations not only serve as platforms for potential military operations but also contribute to the U.S.'s ability to exert influence and control over critical geopolitical areas.

It is important to note that Saramago's statement reflects a particular perspective and may be subject to differing interpretations and critiques. Some may view the U.S.'s actions in the Middle East and Central Asia as necessary for maintaining global stability and protecting its interests, while others may see them as examples of geopolitical intervention and militarization that can have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and sovereignty.

In conclusion, Jose Saramago's quote sheds light on the intricate interplay of geopolitics, military strategy, and international relations, particularly in the context of the United States' pursuit of influence and control in the Middle East and Central Asia. Understanding the historical, geopolitical, and strategic dimensions of the region is crucial for comprehending the complexities and implications of such statements and the broader global dynamics they reflect.