Indeed it is, but is does not neccessarily require massive intervention thru conventional warfare. A clear demonstration of force and will, will send a clear message. Those who are in power understand the message and may or may not respond as we would like. Hussein is a megalomaniac. The extent to which his oil will purchase support remains to be seen. But a conquered Iraq will give a very strong message to our "allies" and enemies alike. What they do with the information will not be clear for some time. It's not a game for the faint hearted to be sure. The fact remains. A regime that sits upon oil reserves has decided to force the world to its knees. Some bow willingly and get what they want for a time. Some resist and earn the "World's" enmity. That means of course that most of the world would prefer to let a radical and vicious world view prevail in hopes that it will focus elsewhere. Ok. It will be us for a while, and then who is next? And if we don't deal with it, is there any hope at all?
regards
Sadaam's oil has nothing to do with "purchasing support". What the Arab in the street will see from Indonesia to Morrocco is that "Islam" is being attacked by the west and that their corrupt rulers who are on the payroll and that oppress them will do nothing about it and let it happen.
To be honest this is so obvious that I seriously doubt that any of this war talk against Iraq is for real and it is all one big ruse on the part of Bush designed to lull Osama into the open and his true supporters. I would not be surprised if Iraq and Hussein are in on it with us.