Originally Posted by Casual Observer
^ It's always been cheaper to just buy the oil on the open market than to invade and take it via an expensive war. But people insist on making ridiculous assertions that presidential administrations have imperial and pecuniary motivations with regard to maintaining the House of Saud.
I understand DJoser's frustration with the apparent incongruity of the preservation of the Saudi monarchy versus enforcing the establishment of a democratic nation in Iraq. However, I don't think even the most ardent proponent of invading Iran believes we are logisitically capable of doing so right now. Later, perhaps, but it would have to happen before GWB's last two years, as he's not likely to maintain control of both Houses and obtain the necessary political and financial support for such an endeavor, which may not even be necessary.
I do concur, however, that Iran would have been just as viable a target as Iraq. They are equal in that regard, if for different reasons.