Probably the best written explanation of the invasion & war I've seen, better yet, it leaves out the intra-American politcs and terrorism out of the picture.
http://www.rupe-india.org/34/military.html
Key points:
- Securing US supplies
Given its growing dependence on oil imports, the US cannot afford to allow the oil producing regions to be under the influence of any other power, or independent.
- Maintaining dollar hegemony
if other imperialist powers were able to displace US dominance in the region, the dollar would be dealt a severe blow. The pressure for switching to the euro would become irresistible and would ring the death knell of dollar supremacy.
- Oil as a weapon
Once it has seized the oil wells of west Asia, the US will determine not only which firms would bag the deals, not only the currency in which oil trade would be denominated, not only the price of oil on the international market, but even the destination of the oil.
If GWB had come right out and said "we need to take over Iraq so you can continue to drive your Escalades every day" - would he have got any support?
How did the Romans get the support of their populace for their expansion? I saw a bit on TV about how badly they hated the Phoenicians, and the stories they told about Phoenicians sacrificing babies (which may have had basis in fact) to bring about a sense of moral outrage and justification.
How did the British get support at home for their empire?
What would happen if he came out and admitted that it's for economic purposes now? The humanitarian excuses have worn through.