Think about it, if no one gave us bases to operate from in the current war we are fighting, where would we stage it from? The answer is there would be no war.
The countries that allow us bases do it for their own self-interest. Saudi Arabia allowed them ten years ago because they knew if we didn't defeat the Iraqi army and run them out of Kuwait they would be next.
As far as there being no war, I guess you are right. If one side does not fight there is no war, only conquest. Do you seriously think that if we did not go after the terrorists they would stop their attempt to rule the world through terorists activities? Do you not agree that in order to go after them we have to go where they are?
As far as the world letting us be a super power, a gift they could withdraw at anytime, I find that idea to be absurd. Did they let the USSR be a super power? Why did they decide to longer let them be a super power? That is all nonsense! We are a super power due to our superior economic and political systems. We became the world leader despite many here and abroad trying to prevent it. The USSR failed, as have all other Communists countries, because they have inferior systems. If I have over looked something please let me know.