It seems to me that if it really were all about oil, after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the US would've sent in suits, not soldiers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Gulf War complicate the Iraqi oil scene terribly?

Back then we were on relatively good terms with Baghdad, and we could've wheeled and dealed for drilling rights not only in Iraq but also "Province 19" by talking basically to one guy...moreover, one guy who--at that time, anyway--kinda liked us.

My point is, if I were an Evil Oil Baron(TM), I doubt I'd be pressing for war. All that shooting and bombing...it just gets in the way, thins the highly-affordable local skill pool and blows away infrastructure that I'm gonna need.

Rather, I'd want my guys in there making friends and inking deals. Not only is that route much cheaper, but raises a lot less dust and you can write-off the lunches.

All of which leads me to wonder...is there more to this whole thing than oil?