"What is the first thing we did when we took control of Iraq? Protect the oil fields. Remember the administration quote about how the oil would pay for the war"

The quote by Peter Schuyler reflects a crucial viewpoint on the United States' military intervention in Iraq in 2003. The main focus is on the strategic priorities of the U.S. federal government, especially its emphasis on securing Iraq's oil fields instantly after taking control of the country. This quote recommends a critique of the motivations behind the U.S. intervention.

To start with, protecting the oil fields as a main action highlights the strategic economic interests of the United States. Iraq, being one of the biggest oil producers in the world, represents substantial financial and geopolitical value. By protecting these resources, the U.S. ensured that its energy interests were maintained, reflecting a pragmatic approach to protecting an important economic resource.

The second part of the quote alludes to statements made by members of the U.S. administration, who recommended that Iraq's oil profits could possibly offset the costs of the military engagement. This claim was questionable, as it implied that the war could be economically self-sustaining through Iraqi oil. Nevertheless, this prediction showed overly optimistic and was met with uncertainty, as the financial concern of the war greatly went beyond preliminary price quotes and the oil revenue did not materialize as expected to cover the expenses.

Schuyler's statement can be translated as a review of how financial interests, especially related to oil, can drive foreign policy decisions. It calls into question the ethical considerations of prioritizing resource security over other humanitarian and political factors. Furthermore, it highlights the way public stories and validations are constructed around military interventions, in some cases underestimating complexity and the real long-term costs.

Ultimately, the quote invites reflection on the crossway of resource-driven methods and policy-making, advising a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind military interventions and their effects at both local and worldwide levels.