During the 1970s and 80s, the United States managed its interests there without stationing any combat soldiers on the ground, but keeping its forces close enough - either on ships or on bases near the region - to deploy in huge numbers if an emergency arose. This worked splendidly to defeat Iraq's aggression against Kuwait in 1990.
If AQ is attacking the US because they have a base in Saudi Arabia then Professor Papes stance is not going to reduce terrorism against the US.

US was attacked using the stance Professor Pape sanctions. His strategy does not stop the largest terrorist suicide attack in history.

Hence the gaping flaw in his arguement.