Oil

People always talk about the Iraq war being about oil. Sorry, kids, that argument is 10 years old. Sure the Second Gulf War (1990-91) was about oil; as well as about statehood, stability, etc. But that's not the case of the possible Third Gulf War; if we were desperate for cheap oil (which we're not right now) we would talk with Saddam, get him to put on a good show for our inspectors and make some token apologies. Then we would declare him clean and get his oil pumping again. Simple.

However, that's not the case. I won't make the case for this or that motivation on Bush's part, but suffice it to say it's not oil. This piece was inspired by England's Sword's latest piece, which is along a similar vein. Also check out the Nobel committee's connections to the robust Norwegian oil industry.