America imports over a million barrels of oil a day from Iraq. As much as 90 percent of the oil produced by Iraq ends up in America. It is sold to Russian traders who sell it to US oil companies. The Russians are afraid that they might loose their place as middlemen if the Iraqi regime changes.

Hence the Russian stance against the war. In the sense that American oil companies will have more direct franchises on the oil coming out of Iraq, it is about oil. But oil is also preventing the war.

The price of oil is inflated because of a "shortage" caused by Middle East tensions and traders marking it up due to this "Shortage". Iraq can produce 2 or 3 times the oil they are producing now. The quality of life in Iraq would be improved many times over if the regime cared about them instead of personal visions of greatness.

Why in hell does Saddam spend money on more palaces and weapons instead of investing the millions of dollars flowing into Iraq every day on infrastructure? That will never change unless someone takes forceful action.

The diplomatic efforts to make a change have been going on for 12 years while the situation grows worse.

Old Guy