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I dont "want" you to take a geopolitical view, I am saying you are falling into that trap somewhat - of ignoring the aspirations of the people involved in ways that create problems down the road. if we cater merely to those who are bribable to do our bidding, we hurt our long-term interests in actually *solving* the grievances that create enemies. 10 years later we'll need to intervene again, and those opposed to US power will use our failures *against us* to harm our cause and interests.

Our best long-term interest is in a free and democratic Iraq, any other Government will not be stable long-term, and that means paying attention to all the groups that actually *live there*. I trust the Bush admin to be smart enough to encourage the right kind of leaders and marginalize extremists or whackos - but Iraqi people at some point will be masters of their destiny. that includes kurds and shiites and not just the arab sunnis. (nor should we forget the small christian minority and their rights.)

"We want the Ruskies and ChiComs blocked from controlloing big oil and the Eurosocialists from benefitting from the profits. The reality? People are assets. And if you think otherwise, your as naive as the do-gooders in the Peace Corps."
Actually you are naive - we will not and we cannot get any special deal from Iraq regarding oil. look at Kuwait post Gulf war I. look at all OPEC nations: The nations control their own oil. The best we can hope for them is plenty of supply and lower prices and perhaps more production deals for US oil companies (vs. france's Elf). No more. Iraq will control its own oil. Our interest is that that money flows to the hands of a peacable democratic Baghdad Govt and not a pro-terrorist dictatorial regime. It's why those who say this is "about oil" fail to understand basic rules of the oil economy. From more on that, read "The Prize" by Daniel Yeargan. Western interests/companies havent owned midest oil since the 1950s and never will again. It's just the way it is.