Whats the deal with Iraq?

Oil has little to do with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Iraq is the first example of the “Bush doctrine” being put into practice. The “Bush doctrine” has two central tenets: a strategy for pre-emptive action against hostile states and terrorist groups and a tolerance for states in the developing world as long as they adhere to certain rules. These concern the suppression of all terrorist activity on their territory, the transparency of banking and trade arrangements, and the disavowal of weapons of mass destruction.

This administration’s primary figureheads have spoken at length about America’s responsibilities in the world. The idea is that America will use its military and economic power to encourage “free and open societies” that will be “beacons of democracy”. This Pax Americana that is being proposed is certainly not a new concept. It is one that has been shared by empires throughout history, from that of Rome to Britain to even the Soviet Union. The rationale behind their imperialist expansion has been, that through their unique and desirable values they can educate and save the world while dominating it. It is also not new in American foreign policy. From Roosevelt to Kennedy to Reagan, America’s leaders have always had a vision of using America's pre-eminent power to effect global change for good. History however has a cautionary tale for states that strove to change the world. Like Icarus who flew too close to the sun their hubris has usually proven to be their undoing. Just as Pax Romana could not stop the decline of the Roman Empire, Pax Americana may prove to be the end of the American Dream.

The other problem is with the Bush Doctrine's rationale: that America, as the last man standing in the old superpower club, must be allowed to call the shots. This is an ambition that is in conflict with the internationalism of the UN and post-war policy for the past 50 years. Not to mention that it is an idea, not appreciated by most of humanity.
Many a talking-head has spoken of the “slippery slope” of “preventative wars” being justified by the presumed (italics my own) accumulation of guns and ammunition by a deranged paroled murderer whose communications and actions indicate that he is targeting you for a future attack. One must admit that Pax Americana is an excellent justification for preventing deranged murderers running amok. However one should also be prepared for the “slippery slope” of any state attacking any other under the pretext that the other is a deranged murderer.

This war is certainly not about Oil and is only incidentally about liberating the Iraqi people or establishing democracy. This war is to ensure that the United States will continue to be the dominant political, economic and military power in the world, for this century and the next to suggest otherwise is to be disingenuous.