The usual story, it is OK for the Americans to have military bases all around the world, much less so when it comes to any other countries.

All of those military bases are there in partnership with and at the invitation of the host country. The US doesn't just slap down a base in Poland and say "deal with it."

You mean the Government of the host country, not the people.

See: 1990 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War.

1990 Gulf War is actually an example of the Saudi Arabians asking for coalition troops to defend them.

2003? I'll give you that one.

Regarding 1990, nonetheless, prolonged U.S. presence in Saudi Arabia after the Gulf War became highly controversial though, fueling anti-American sentiment.

And the US left.

Also, if there's one thing that the House of Saud has made apparent, it's that they don't much care about what their subjects consider controversial.

Uh yeah the government? I'm not sure if you expect the US to go out and poll everyone in the whole country first or what you're trying to imply, but governments usually coordinate with governments.

> See: 1990 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War.

War is war, it sucks but it's been a part of human history for all of human history. That said, those wars are over. If Iraq no longer wanted US bases in their territory, they could ask the US to leave.

I think in 2020, Iraq's parliament did vote to expel foreign troops, yet the U.S. military presence continues albeit in a limited capacity.

You are right, governments usually coordinate with governments, but my point is that the consent of the government doesn't always align with the will of the people, particularly in cases where public opinion is suppressed or ignored.

Well the alternative, in realpolitik terms, is having everything owned by Chinese companies.

I suppose they're free to pick.