![FILE - In this May 21, 2019 photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress, prepares to fly over Southwest Asia. Two American bomber aircraft have flown over a swath of the Middle East, sending what U.S. officials say is a message of deterrence to Iran. The flight of the two massive B-52H Stratofortress bombers over the region on Thursday was the second such mission in less than a month. It was designed to underscore America’s continuing commitment to the Middle East even as President Donald Trump's administration withdraws thousands of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. (Senior Airman Keifer Bowes/U.S. Air Force via AP)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BVLICGB5NRVTOC75NSQAXNWYDY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8c7f9c1314729c030a4577fea68457e6caef282cbeb3aea0b3bc083ba6f94e05&width=400&height=225)
The US flew two B-52 bombers over large parts of the Middle East, sending what US officials say is a message to both friends and enemies. AP
The US flew two B-52 bombers over large parts of the Middle East, sending what US officials say is a message to both friends and enemies. AP
The future of the Middle East will be shaped in the next few weeks
Policymakers across the region and the world are furiously planning as the region enters the critical weeks and months ahead