I understand all that but I just don't think this is all about just a pipeline, but I think the pipeline is def a part of it all. Only time will tell.
It's 50/50. We get to manage 75 trillion (or more, as they just upgraded the reserve size estimates) of oil in a time oil is running out. That's bitchin'.
We get to set up bases in a position where we can take out anything in Russia, China, India, Africa, or Europe very quickly. That's insurance that no one is gonna pre-empt us in this time of dwindling global resources.
EVERY AMERICAN supports these 2 goals, whether he admits or understands it, or not. We want gas, and we want to know chinese nukes aren't going to ruin our day. Taking Iraq provides that. They used the WMD story to justify it, of course. But it's working. IMO, every American should do 2 things: 1) Admit we need these things, and 2) Admit we are taking them.
To deny their need shows ignorance. To deny our actions shows a lack of courage or honesty with self.