aKula

Then why the initial support for the Iraq war from the Italian and Spanish governments? You could argue that they were duped as well and were over eager to play along. But there is, I believe, a simpler explanation.

The Bush administration always wanted to go after Iraq. I don't think that such a large gamble for the prospect of cheaper oil and energy security would be undertaken. The risks were too large for the rewards it offered. Furthermore the current US executive is not even interested in maintaining fiscal discipline let alone some complex conspirancy to ensure the long term strength of the US dollar. The simplest reason is the correct one. The administration saw Saddam as "the enemy", who was yet to be defeated. It was a fixation, an obsession even.

This, coupled with the lack of planning after the war; the absence of experience in the civil service established by the USA after the invasion of Iraq, led to the current situation.

__________________
"I am the wrath of God. The earth I pass will see me and tremble." -Klaus Kinski as Don Lope de Aguirre