Flaky Anti-War Types

I recall how when the invasion of Iraq was being initiated those on the right would literally ridicule anyone that would suggest this was about control of important natural resources. But here's a few interesting pieces of data that perhaps should elicit some questions about the real motives of the initiators of the war, which I heard via a speech from Chomsky.

Declaration of Principles between Iraq and the United States

5. Facilitating and encouraging the flow of foreign investments to Iraq, especially American investments, to contribute to the reconstruction and rebuilding of Iraq.

1. Providing security assurances and commitments to the Republic of Iraq to deter foreign aggression against Iraq that violates its sovereignty and integrity of its territories, waters, or airspace.

Facilitating foreign investment, especially American investment? That's a rather forward admission of imperialist goals, wouldn't you say? And preventing aggression? Who are the foreign aggressors in Iraq?

Check out this Bush signing statement.

One section Bush targeted created a statute that forbids spending taxpayer money "to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq" or "to exercise United States control of the oil resources of Iraq."

Once again, seems rather brazen. He's going to ignore provisions that prohibit him from establishing permanent bases or control of the oil resources.

Finally, check out further Bush demands on the Iraqi government.

the Bush administration will insist that the government in Baghdad give the United States broad authority to conduct combat operations and guarantee civilian contractors specific legal protections from Iraqi law, according to administration and military officials.

We were lead to believe that we were swooping in to rescue them, not control them forever. Now their supposedly elected government has to grant us all these rights to run around and do whatever we want from a military perspective? This is freedom for Iraqi's? This isn't about control of resources?

Chomsky summarizes by saying that reasons that were initially rejected with ridicule seem now to be openly conceded. It would be nice if this prompted a little reflection.