I think the reason(s) for invading Iraq include all of the above, though some to a lesser extent than others -- e.g., I think terrorism and democracy both played roles, in that democracy might help to bring change to aregion dominated by totalitarian governments, but that role was clearly to a lesser extent than military bases and oil.  I agree that the "Likudniks" in the Department of Defense and various think-tanks -- they have enormous pull in Washington -- wanted this war as a way of providing more strength and protection to Israel.  I also think Israel helped push the decision-makers into going and helped to manipulate the information.

I have no trust, whatsoever, in the Israeli government.  Sharon is probably the best we can hope for right now, but I've been disappointed so far, in that I thought Abbas and Sharon would be able to make more progress.  That said, I'm not militantly pro-Palestinian, either.  Palestinians deserve their own state, as all people do, but Israel has a right to exist and defend itself against Hamas and Islamic Jihad.  Fighting for your cause by using terrorist tactics will win you no points with me.

Conservatives want live babies so they can raise them to be dead soldiers. - George Carlin