The war might have begun for oil, but I believe the war started because Bush/Chaney lucked out by having 9/11 then they did not need an excuse for war, I knew that no matter what Bush/Chaney would start a war.

The bonus of a war was Bush could have war powers, it seems that Chaney wanted the presidency run like Bush being more like King George the I.

adding some observaions to yours. only the ruling class knows what it wants in or from iraq, the rest of us, perforce, guess. my guess is that US ruling class invaded iraq not for oil (it flowed freely) nor because of saddam but solely for real estate that will serve (remember, i’m still on inferential and not on factual level) as a stepping stone to all ‘stans and mongolia and the long US trek (now in its second century) ends at chinese wall. it’s probable that US wants to utterly destroy all isms and chinese socialism with great gusto.
if this analyses be valid, US doesn’t have to attack syria nor iran; deeming destrution of china a priority. it’s not just very and super rich amers who want to destroy all socialism but also most rich people of the world.
i also expect that US or IOF will attack Iran only when it is about to make a bomb or when they obtain one. now, having proof, rich americans and zionists would be jubilant. can you imagine how much they would crow about saving the world and being right? thank you

“I just see a lot of oxygen being wasted here.”

That’s taxpayers oxygen($$$)and more peoples lives.

Neither one is of concern to anyone at the latest corporate meeting aka congressional hearing as long as there’s a profit to be made.

The problem is that not a single senator, representative, or surviving WH candidate will say,

“OK.  The occupation is not proceeding well.  Withdrawal will present risks.  If Crocker is right, maybe even dire hazards, but no one offers any proof that the outlook will change in 12, 24, or even 48 months.  Meanwhile, lives perish and dollars burn.  So let’s fold our hand, cut losses, and get out.  No matter what licks we have to take, they will hurt less now than in 2012 or 2108.  As for Iran, maybe it would not be such a bad thing to let them get bogged in Iraqi nation-building.  Go ahead and let that scare the danged Saudis and emirates.  Our witdrawal from Iraq might make them more reluctant to send their idle kids to bomb us.  Better for them to fear a Shiite satan than a US satan.  Let’s reallocate the bucks to diversifying our energy sources.”

No.  No one on the Hill will say this or support resolutions and bills to attain these ends.  They all hope that Petraeus or Crocker will give them shining light or an aliby to do nothing.

Ware- the one actual reporter on CNN to give the rest of their drivel cover.