"That war was fought over the usual grand imperial objectives (resources, land, regional and political control, etc)...not over some nonexistent fear of Iraq's wretchedly puny ability to defend itself with advanced weapons." - Little Hawk

The usual imperial objectives eh??

What "resources" did the USA come away with then? None as far as I can see.

What "land" has the USA acquired? None as far as I can determine.

Does the US have any greater control over the region or political direction within the region than it had before? Nope, just about the same, I'd say.

I had to laugh at this bit:

"not over some nonexistent fear of Iraq's wretchedly puny ability to defend itself with advanced weapons."

It wasn't Iraq's puny ability to DEFEND itself that was the problem was it? It was the potential for Iraq to supply a terrorist group with WMD in secret for that terrorist group to use against targets inside the USA that posed the problem. After all post 11th September 2001 any attack particularly any "terrorist spectacular" on the USA would be put down to who? Who would be the first name in the frame? Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda correct? Giving Saddam plenty of wriggle room for denial.

As far as people lying about Iraq's WMD, please remember that Saddam Hussein himself admitted that between 1991 and 2003 he did everyhting in his power to convince his neighbours and the world at large that Iraq still possessed WMD and the means to deliver them. People then cannot be blamed for believing it.