What Was The Political Effects On The Middle East Policy?

Absolutely!  It's all about the oil.  The current administration had an agenda to invade Iraq prior to 9/11.  The oil baron administration used that tragedy to lie to Americans, used well respected men like Colin Powell to promote their agenda by giving him false information to present to the United Nations to justify invading Iraq.  Saddam was an evil dictator who needed to be eliminated, but he wasn't involved with Bin Laden.  Why did the oil barons not have talks with Saudi Arabia since 18 of 19 terrorist were Saudis?   As far as Iraq goes, we've made no progress.  My nephew served 13 months, built hospitals, schools, and jails nicer that those stateside.  When they didn't finish the jail in one day, the locals stole every window and usable piece of building material during the night.  The officer in charge abandoned the project when the damage was discovered the next morning.  
Every thing you see on CNN, MSNBC, FOX etc. Is choreographed for us.  Had a friend who accepted a civilian position transporting needed items for the military and other needs.  They would drive for miles and when the news cameras were spotted, the civilians got out of their trucks, put our military in, then when the cameras got the footage, they switched back.  When Dan Rather went into the trenches of Vietnam, we saw a clear picture, albeit it black & white, and in this day of technology of improved communication, we often see no image.  Since this Democratic nomination has become so interesting, with both candidates wanting to end the war, and the Republican candidate wanting to keep troops there indefinitely, how many reports can anyone recall with news regarding any progress or failures concerning the war?  Seems to be out of sight, out of mind, and I expect it to remain so until after November.  W and Cheney are lame ducks, their fortunes may remain in trust, but they know they are getting richer by the day with these fuel costs.  It is unthinkable that Halliburton was awarded contracts without the sealed bid process required for all other government contracts.  This administration has made USA look like fools globally and if we get the right one in this election, it will still take decades to recover from the damage done in these past 8 years.  This coming from European visitors on holiday here.