[CaptainCrunch]

Frankly Iraq is a better base of operations then Saudi Arabia ever was, especially in terms of air power if its needed. Iraq could basically act as a huge aircraft carrier in its dealings with the other radical nations in the area without the political restrictions that would be put in place by the Saudi's.

With Iran minutes away, it would create a quick turnaround if you ever wanted a bombing campaign over downtown Tehran.

Where it all went wrong was in the post war phase. I'm sure the initial plan was to put a massive force of air, ground and armor forces in a relatively peaceful Iraq with the intent of being able to put massive pressure on Iran diplomatically. Unfortunately the U.S. government didn't foresee the massive insurgency that occured that actually tied down U.S assets instead of allowing them to be used in other theatres. In theory I think that the hope was that Iraq would be the middle eastern version of germany during the cold war.

Its a smart strategy that after the initial military campaign was marred by some pretty terrible forecasting and planning.

Add on: I don't think this war was ever about securing oil for the American's, there are cheaper and closer oil reserves that America could secure diplomatically, this was all about putting a hammer where it could be used most effectively.