Oh Boy, I wish I could turn the clock back to Jan 1, 2002 and re formulate the whole war policy. The reason is clear why we are in Iraq. The whole fuzziness about Saddam's wmd's and their capability was a waste of time. We need to guard the oil flow and we need a base of operations in the Middle East (being in Saudi Arabia wasn't working). Too bad the US wasn't a bit more straightforward with the American public back then. The whole philosophy of pre-emptive war and acting in our interest could have been put forth in a clearer manner. The real enemy as has been proven are the Iranians and the Syrians, who have done more than Saddam had ever done in regard to to spreading worldwide terrorism. Saddam was basically in a weakened state and his capabilities limited (that's why we chose him rather than Assad or the Iranians)---but surprise surprise Gomer, it looks like we're going to have to deal with Baathy Boy Assad and the Maniacal Mullahs after all.
And it don't hurt to have bases in Iraq and Afghanistan to do it.
I don't know that anyone with half a brain did not see the IRAQi takedown for anything but a strategic move to counter IRAN...I am no strategy genius but it did seem obvious that the only thing for the US to do was put our boots on the enemies front, back & side doors, after Afkanistan, Iraq was the obvious target....IMO. It would have helped enormously if there had been a true mobilization and clearer communications within our country of the long term ramifications of our preemptive strike in the ME...
I told you so....... then.