Reply #66: Let's put things back in context.

[calteacherguy]

The United States is today engaged in a four-fold struggle in the Middle East, and each of the struggles is interconnected with the others. At the most benign level, the US is in hot competition economically, to capture its share of oil exports and earnings, and to sell its share of goods and services. Our long term dependability has been a winning factor in building enduring US influence and commercial penetration in the region.

Clark is emphasizing Iraq is part of a larger regional dynamic, and merely stating the obvious: The U.S. IS in "hot competion economically...in the region." Whether one likes that reality or not, that's the reality. He is giving an historical perpective. That is the most "benign" level because it does not involve armed conflict.

As for how Clark feels about Iraqis and their oil:

"Most important, oil revenues should be declared the property of the central government, not the provinces" 12/6/05

http://securingamerica.com/oped/nyt/2005-12-06

The purpose of Clark's testimony was to offer "the least worst" of the choices available at the present moment, which requires acknowledging the reality of our influence and economic ties in the region, whether one agrees with those ties and how we came to have them or not.