Couldnt possibly be a desire to control the oil deposits. Couldnt possibly. 

Sure, that's part of it.  There are multiple reasons for us to be there and certainly the oil looms large.  Couple that with humanitarian reasons and it becomes a no-brainer for me.  I know it sounds selfish when oil is mentioned but until you can show me how the rest of the world goes about it's business without it I think it becomes the obligation of the peaceful peoples to make sure it remains available for everyone.  No blood for oil?  I'm not so sure about that.  That's not to say that we shouldn't be doing more to reduce our dependency on it.

Kevin g