joeluke
Because we have financial interests in territories outside the UK.
It's why young British soldiers die in the Middle East, and it's why private security firms operate in the region.
Notice how we are committed to bringing stability and democracy to regions which are rich in mineral and oil reserves?
Not sure if you're old enough to remember what happened when the OPEC nations decided to rack up the dollar price of a barrel of oil in the early 70s. I remember, and my guess is that Western governments are absolutely terrified of instability in the region.
We could wash our hands of it, but we then have to be prepared for the possibility of a major worldwide recession. It would start with the oil companies having to raise prices due to lower yields, and end with spiralling inflation, unemployment etc.
Oil needs to be available as a free market product.
It's fundamentally naive to think we can simply walk away from the Middle East.
If anyone can put forth an argument that outlines and alternative scenario if the West pulls out, I'd be happy to hear it, as too I suspect every politician and economist who have been grinding their gears for the last 50 years on the issue.